This piece represents the mid-century American ceramic hobby movement, which was huge in that era. The craftsmanship appears excellent, and the dual-figure composition is less common than single bison figures. It's a solid piece with good folk art/Americana appeal.
This is most likely an Atlantic Mold figurine. Atlantic Mold was a prominent American ceramics company that produced ceramic figurines and decorative items, particularly popular from the 1960s through the 1980s. They operated primarily out of New Jersey and became well-known for their slip-cast ceramic molds that hobbyists could use to create their own pieces. They sold both finished pieces and molds for home ceramicists.
Atlantic Mold pieces typically have a distinctive mid-century aesthetic. They were often hand-painted, sometimes by hobbyists using the company's molds, which means quality and painting styles can vary significantly. The pieces usually have a glossy ceramic glaze finish.
These pieces have developed a nostalgic collector market, particularly for holiday items and certain animal figurines. Values are generally modest, though rare or highly detailed pieces can command more.
This vintage piece shows a Bison cow and red dog calf together on a naturalistic base. The bottom is marked RS in what appears to be hand carved capital letters suggesting this is likely a piece made by a hobbyist or small studio potter using a commercial mold. The "RS" would be the artist's initials who created this particular piece.
During the 1960s-1980s, ceramic mold companies like Atlantic Mold had a thriving business model where they sold molds to hobbyists and ceramic studios. People would purchase or rent the molds to pour their own slip-cast pieces and then glaze and fire them.
The quality of the glazing and detail work suggests "RS" was a skilled ceramicist. The rich, even coloring indicates good firing technique. This is likely a one-of-a-kind or small-batch piece rather than mass production. This actually makes it somewhat more interesting from a collector's standpoint - it has individual character.
