This little guy is “Forest Gnome #1” and was made by Cairn Studios of North Carolina. According to the information at Cairn, designer Tom Clark was inspired to create his first forest gnome after enjoying the whimsical illustrations in Rien Poortvliet's popular 1970's book "Gnomes". Gnome #1 was retired in 1994. You can read up on the 2024 meticulous hand casting and hand finishing process involved in making this character by visiting the Cairn Studios website.
Each Cairn Studios character is made in a limited edition. This gnome is Edition #49. He has a British coin cast into the base (I've seen Dutch coins in other examples). Copyright date is 1983.
Unfortunately this gnome does not come with a box or a signature or a certificate of authenticity to enchant the most serious collector, but its quirky charm remains intact. In overall excellent condition but with two small paint scrapes on the top of the red hat, this 10 1/2” high gnome is waiting for a new home.
Product code: Tom Clark Forest Gnome #1 Cairn Studio 2024 1983 Edition #49