Harmony Kingdom
Aria Amorosa Retired 7/1998. This box figurine depicts two seals, lovingly entwined, mouths open in song. Peter carved the cigarette lighter under the other seal’s flipper after a beach-combing trip in North Wales where he found the beach littered with plastic lighters. Peter’s mouse looks out startled from under another flipper. The inspiration for the rat carved inside was a topical news item that Peter misheard on the radio at the time of carving: the “monster rat” catastrophe. It turns out that it was the “Montserrat catastrophe,” a volcano threatening to erupt in the Caribbean $55.00 | Baby Boomer Retired 4/1999. This box figurine features 4 adult kangaroos, 7 babies, and Noel Wiggins tucked in a pouch wearing one of his Harmony Ball ties. Noel wears dark sunglasses in most of the pieces and clear glasses in a small quantity (257). The mouse keeps a low profile tucked away to Noel’s right. The ubiquitous tin can litter appears again. $55.00 | Baby on Board Retired 12/1997. This is one of four mother and baby boxes that Peter carved during 1993. Peter was drawn by the texture possibilities of armadillo, and enjoyed putting in the bands and scales. Notice that the mother is 6-banded, and the baby 3-banded, to show that the baby is half of his mother. The baby is atop the mother rather than snuggled underneath to provide a handle for the lid. The mouse does not appear on this piece, nor do any inner carvings or inscriptions. The only hallmark is PC below the tail. $45.00 |
Beak to Beak Retired 12/1997. Created as a Valentine’s Day piece for 1996, this piece features two lovebirds nestled cozily on a bench. Even Peter’s signature mouse has a mate for the holiday. Inscribed on the bench is “PC loves AR” (Peter Calvesbert and Andrea Riley), “MP loves CP” (Martin and Corinna Perry), “RM loves MH” (Ruth McDonald and Mike Horne, two close friends of Peter’s), “BC loves FL” (Peter’s brother and his girlfriend), and the anonymous “Trace loves…” with a series of initials for her string of lovers. The piece also contains a slew of other lovers: amorous hedgehogs, snakes, mice, and even a lonely little rabbit. “I love SA“ refers to South Africa, where Peter and Andrea honeymooned in October 1995. “MUFC” stands for Manchester United Football Club. “HK Rules” refers to Harmony Kingdom and “Noel” for Noel Wiggins. Peter’s obsession with the Mazda MX5 (“MXV”) sports car is compared to the then new MGF he wanted. Carved on the back of the bench is “Sticky + Tonkin P.I.P.” which immortalises Ruth and Mike’s pets who both tragically died on the same day. “P.I.P.” means “play in peace.” The two cans reflect Peter’s concern about littering. $45.00 | Murphy's Last Stand Retired 10/1997. Having followed their friend Murphy on a mad adventure to the North Pole, the two penguins are trying to push the polar bear off Murphy, who is trapped underneath as he scrambles to pick up his keys. Oblivious to the excitement is a young penguin asleep on the magnetic pole on top of the polar bear’s back, which handily serves as the lid handle. The mouse is dangerously close to the bear’s bared teeth. Inside are Murphy’s four beer bottles. Look for the hidden inscription, “JC 1875,” a reference to the oldest woman in the world, Jeannie Calmont, celebrating her 122nd birthday in France at the time of carving. “Benson 9” on the rim refers to a 9-year-old horse that Peter sometimes borrows to ride with Andrea. Hallmarks include ©, heart, HBC logo, ed.#, and Pc. $45.00 | Teacher's Pet Retired 6/1997 Her class of twelve surrounds the wise old owl, some vying for her attention, others distinctly bored, others up to mischief. Peter’s pet parrot, Spike, has been sent along to join the classroom in the hope of improving his limited but raucous vocabulary. Spike can be seen peering out from behind a wing looking decidedly cheeky. This is also the shoebill’s first appearance, who later starred in his own solo box. Peter’s mouse would not have stood a chance had he appeared here. Interior hallmarks include ©, HBC logo, and P.C. $45.00 |
Celeste Angel Retired 12/1997. Celeste, the star angel, was the 1997 holiday edition, with gold wings and gold five-pointed star. This same star was adopted as the 1998 hallmark and production stamp. With this piece David was influenced by the work of art nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha. “39” denotes that this was David’s thirty-ninth piece that he carved $45.00 | Love Seat Retired 12/1997. Having finished a game of noughts and crosses, Wal begins to inscribe his loved one’s name while she affectionately refers to him as “Blubber Box.” The mouse is peeking out between the folds of skin. This box figurine was especially popular during Valentine’s Day due to the plump subjects’ curious romantic coupling. There is no inner carving. Interior hallmarks include HBC logo and ©. $45.00 | Fleur de lis Retired 4/1998. David’s daughter, Rose, served as inspiration for this box figurine. “Rosalina de Lorenzi” appears on the angel’s sash and “R” and “L” on her hair ribbon. Hallmarks include ©, diamond, clock face with month 5, HBC logo, and DL. $45.00 |
Hammin' It Up Retired 12/1996. This pig pile box figurine is a very early piece and does not incorporate the hidden mouse, an inner carving, inscriptions, or hallmarks. $55.00 | Horn A' Plenty Retired 12/1997. This single rhino box figurine is a very early piece and does not incorporate the hidden mouse, inner carving, or hallmarks. $65.00 | Killing Time Limited Edition of 3600. Introduced 4/1997. This box figurine features orca whales. Inside there is a seashell which screws off to reveal a pearl, inscribed with the words, “Property of King Neptune.” Also inside is a rodent in scuba gear. Each piece is hand-numbered and bears the artist’s monogram. Hallmarks include ©, diamond, clock with month 11, and DL. $125.00 |
Neighborhood Watch Retired 6/1997 This micro rainforest encapsulates Peter's environmental concerns. This jungle habitat is home to fifteen creatures. Nestled atop the rainforest are an elephant and several macaws, joined below by an alligator, snake, and a group of mischievous primates. Standing at the base of the box is a man, chainsaw in hand, ready to begin deforestation. Near the giraffe, Peter displays what he thinks of those who destroy the forests. The mouse is not present. There is no inner carving. The only marking is "PC" on the base below the swinging primate. Interior hallmarks include © and HBC logo. $45.00 | Oktobearfest Retired 11/1997. This box figurine was for HK’s first annual in-store event and available at select retailers during the autumn months of 1997. The tree stump around which the bears play is inscribed with the Calvesbert family tree. “JC,” “MAR,” and “1816” represent John Calvesbert, who married Mary Ann Rudland on Christmas Day, 1816. Inside is a South African 10 cent coin from Peter’s honeymoon. Hallmarks include ©, diamond, HBC logo, ed.#, and Pc. $45.00 | Original Kin Limited edition of 2500 Original Kin is third in the series of signed and numbered multi-compartment limited edition box figurines depicting the origin(s) of man: the biblical account, evolution, and the extraterrestrial theory. Adam and Eve bear resemblance to Peter and Andrea. The garden contains four palm and three deciduous trees. One is in full leaf, another has a tree spirit face, and the third a sign to the River Gihon. The River Pison is also depicted. Eve is being urged by the serpent to pick from the forbidden Tree of Conscience. Several fruits have already been eaten. Adam is carrying a book of animal names to assist him in his 9-5 job of naming the inhabitants of the garden. Adam bears the scar of the rib removal. Even the Garden of Eden does not escape the tin can pollution. And a dartboard, last seen on board Noah’s Lark, appears again. Peter’s pet cockatiel, Spike, is sitting on Adam’s shoulder and his dog, Murphy, is bursting through the undergrowth. The handbag looks suspiciously like snakeskin, or so the serpent surmises. Inside, Adam and Eve have packed a suitcase ready for banishment from the garden. In addition to clothes they will need, it contains their UK passports, and Dr. Who’s famous coloured scarf. The box figurine is also home to three dinosaurs, and eight aliens with their space ship. The mouse is hiding under the serpent. Each piece is hand-numbered, signed by the artist and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Hallmarks include ©, heart, HBC logo, and PC. $250.00 |
Paradise Found Retired 12/1997. This box figurine is a trio of not-so-angelic angels. The first angel, wearing a Mercedes Benz logo pendant, gives his cohort a “hot-wing,” while his victim stifles a giggle. The moulting angel is holding a newspaper, “The Guardian (Angel),” and seems to look very much like Peter. The mouse can be found by looking directly down at the top of the box. The interior depicts a map of Africa where Peter and Andrea honeymooned. On the lid is the question, “FLY?” The answer to this question can also be found: “OK.” The date, 2.8.95 is when this final decision had been made. Inside is HBC logo. $45.00 | Pieces of Eight Introduced 1/1998 Limited edition of 5000. This box figurine portrays colourful parrots. The interior features a twist off pirate’s hat, and the pirate’s bounty, coins. The acorn is tucked underneath a parrot’s tail. Each piece is hand-numbered and bears the artist’s monogram. Hallmarks include ©, heart, HBC logo, ed.#, and DL. $150.00 | Rose Basket Introduced 1/1997 Limited Edition of 3600 Inside this box figurine, Lord Byron, in a dream sequence, is golfing on the moon. Each piece is hand-numbered and initialed with MRP. Hallmarks include ©, heart, HBC logo, and M. $65.00 |
Swamp Song Retired 12/1997 This box figurine, featuring three dancing alligators, is a very early piece and does not incorporate the hidden mouse, inscriptions, inner carving, or hallmarks. $45.00 | Unbearables Limited Edition of 3600. Introduced 1/1995 Unbearables, first in the series of signed and numbered multi-compartment limited edition box figurines, depicts a picnic overrun by eight very hungry and curious bears. The group of six humans and their three dogs have learned a valuable lesson regarding Nature’s powerful forces. A shattered television has fallen victim to one of the hairy characters. The mouse is hiding beneath a bear’s bottom, next to the dog on top of the picnic table. Carved into the tabletop is a message about Anne Archer, one of Peter’s favourite actresses. The wine bottles bear the names “Noel” and “Lisa”. Also carved into the table is “Broadway GC”, which is a widely used golf club. “Hogs” is carved into an overturned chair, referring to Peter’s affection for Harley Davidson motorcycles. There is even a mini “Unbearables” inside. Each piece is hand-numbered, signed by the artist and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Interior hallmarks include © and HBC logo. $400.00 | Whale of a Time Retired 10/1998 The whales are breaching the waves, one carrying Peter’s mouse in its fin. Near the mouse is a corked bottle with a message from a lost sailor. Inside the box is a mermaid, playing the harp. There are no inscriptions. Hallmarks include ©, diamond, HBC logo, ed.#, and Pc. $45.00 |
