What is a crack?

I bought a large Gobel German Shepherd dog at a garage sale a couple weeks ago.

One of the legs has a couple hair line "cracks".
I think it has the glaze over it. When I run my nail over the area its smooth.

Would you call this a crack, a factory flaw, or is this pretty normal for figurines?

 

If the line is only in the glaze it's called crazing. Crazing is considered a flaw though is common in some ceramics but should be disclosed. If the crack is in the body/clay that is also a flaw but many would consider that a bigger one than crazing.

A fine tight body/clay crack is sometimes called a hairline but can get bigger pretty easily. If you tap on a piece in perfect condition and then tap on another item with a crack you may be able to hear the difference. A cracked piece may have more of a thud sound.

It is sometimes hard to know if a long craze line such as yours has an associated hairline beneath or not. Try bright light and magnification.

 

Disclosure is key to a potential buyer

If the line cannot be felt, and if it does not extend through (in those cases where the other side of the ceramic can be seen) and when tapped it does not sound "off" (in comparison to other parts of the ceramic body), I would usually classify it as a craze line or crazing.

If I think it is crazing but there is a nagging doubt, I'd play safe and say it is a possible hairline crack.

 

Sure looks like a crazing line

 

I also vote crazing.

 

me too........by the time more lines show up.....it'll be self evident.

 

And if over a couple of years more lines don't show up, then that's a good suggestion it's a crack not crazing. Crazing results from the different character of the glaze and the body, so crazing isn't often limited to a single instance.

As well, look closely at the base: it looks like the crack -- if that's what it is -- might extend further below.

 

Your close up photo is very good and easy to see the crack. I vote hairline crack, it doesn't look like crazing to me. And the fact that it's on the foot where it would be more likely to be hit or dinged against something. But then, one of my best pieces is a Royal Dux Giraffe with a cracked neck. He's a nice doggy.