Antique Austrian Polychrome Letter Holder with Peasant Girl and Hay Made in Austria, Model No. 421 – circa 1900 A charming and highly decorative antique Austrian polychrome letter holder / desk paper holder, beautifully modelled as a young peasant girl in traditional rural dress, depicted in a graceful countryside scene while gathering or arranging hay. The figure is full of character and movement, with a gentle smiling expression, carefully sculpted facial features, finely detailed hair, clothing, shoes and naturalistic base. The composition combines decorative sculpture with practical function: the rear section forms a vertical compartment designed to hold letters, postcards or small documents, making it a delightful writing desk accessory. Condition: Good antique condition overall, with normal age-related wear, light rubbing to the polychrome surface, natural patina and minor signs of use consistent with age. The piece remains highly decorative and displays beautifully. A rare and attractive Austrian desk object, ideal for collectors of antique figural ceramics, Austrian decorative arts, polychrome terracotta sculpture and early 20th-century writing desk accessories. The piece is made of polychrome terracotta or composition, cold-painted in warm earthy tones, with a natural aged patina. The long metal rod forms part of the rural tool held by the girl, while the base is richly modelled with hay, rocky textures and rustic details. The back/base bears the impressed oval mark “MADE IN AUSTRIA” together with the model number 421. This identifies the piece as an Austrian export production from the late 19th to early 20th century, circa 1890–1920, in the elegant Viennese and Continental decorative taste, reminiscent of the period associated with Goldscheider-style figural wares.