If you collect Holt Howard, you know all the Kozy Kittens are charmers.  Their wide set eyes float above a slightly turned nose and that knowing kitty smile... 

This Letter Holder is a terrific example of the line.  Colors are bright and unmarked.  The finish is in remarkable condition for a piece produced in 1958. No chips, cracks, crazing or missing paint. You'll find a extra dot of paint here and there but it's under the glaze so it's all part of the original work.

I'm calling this Kitty a letter holder.  If you check online, you'll run across references to a napkin holder made by Holt Howard too.  But I think that refers to the Kozy Kitten set made with salt and pepper shakers included.

If you plan to resell Miss Kitty, you may be interested in the prices she's brought in the past.  Kovels lists the following:

My research told me that... "Holt Howard produced a wide variety of kitchen novelties and decorative items through the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. In addition to kitchenware, Holt Howard also produced banks, Holt Howard planters, lamps, candlesticks, and other ceramic home decor items."

"Probably the most recognizable item by the Holt Howard Company was their line of kitchenware depicting little pixies...Pixieware.  They also had other lines....such as the Rooster...the Kozy Kitten....the pony-tailed girl...and of course, Santa and Christmas."

And here's a bit of caution...

"Exercise due caution when buying Holt Howard, as they have been widely copied and reproduced. "Holt Howard-like" is not the same, and does not carry the same value as an authentic piece.

"Genuine Holt Howard pieces are clearly marked....and many even have the year of Holt Howard production also stamped, which is a great help to buyers."

Which is why I made sure to check for the right marks.  You can see from the picture that our Kitty is the real McCoy (oops, I guess I should say the real Holt Howard.)  The foot clearly shows "Copyright 1958 Holt Howard." Above this is the original paper label of an "H" over an "H" with "Japan" in the middle.

No questions here.

The piece is 6 1/2 inches tall.  You can see in this picture that the head has an opening about an inch and a half across.  The opening extends down on the inside of the front feet. 

At first I was puzzled about what this opening was for.  Then I saw a description of a similar piece and it all made sense.  It's where you put your pencils, or pens, of course. Another reason I'm pretty sure this is the letter holder. 

Kitty came from a nice big home where they were having an estate sale.  I've left her - other than a bit of dusting - in exactly the shape she came in.  I've already mentioned she's in very good condition overall.  I've left the back spring as is.  It's got a good bit of patina.  You can decide whether to polish it up a bit or not.

My terms are indicated below. Use the provided calculator to find out the shipping cost. If you have any questions, just email me.  (Be sure to give yourself plenty of time before the auction ends. I tend to read and answer my mail on a schedule at certain times of the day, so I might not get it in time.)

If you do collect, you'll find this Kitty a great addition. 

If you resell, you should be able to buy her at a good price and make a profit.  She's an in-demand item and doesn't come up that often.  I only saw one other like her in the current closed items list.

There's no reserve and I've set a reasonable starting value of $9.99.  Don't wait to put in your bid though.  You don't want to temporarily forget her only to come back and find out you've lost her.

(Between you and me, there's really only one thing we have to worry about.  It's making sure Kozy Kitty fetches at least what she herself thinks she's worth.  If you have cats like we do, you know they have a very high opinion of themselves!  Please bid high or we'll never hear the end of it...)