A fine and delicate porcelain figure depicting a seated female musician in eastern or Ottoman dress with a stringed instrument in her lap. It is believed that this figure - which pairs with a similar male figure - depicts the character Mandane from the Thomas Arne opera Artaxerxes.

Figures of Mandane and Artabanes (the male pair) were produced in several forms of which this seems to be unrecorded but bears such notable similarities to recorded version that it must be the same subject.

This example is of lovely quality with independent hands and musical instrument. It is strikingly decorated.

The figure is in good condition but for an old chip to the back of the hollow base (not visible when displayed), some fritting, and fading of the gilt.

Reference: Similar figure: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 337, fig. 1233

Height: 4.75”

Date: c. 1840

An excellent single black and white spaniel in the Number 5 size.

The right-facing spaniel is decorated with underglaze black spots, yellow eyes, and a gilt collar and padlock.

It benefits from good, crisp modelling and textures, as well as vivid and clear decoration.

The figure is in very good condition with a shallow nick to the tail having been overpainted.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Dogs, p. 19, fig. 2424

Height: 6.5”

Date: c. 1850s

An exceptionally sweet and unusual little porcelain figure depicting a boy sitting in an enclosure with three pet rabbits, one in his hands. The figure may have been made by the Dudson Factory.

This lovely little figure is well made and features several individually modelled elements - the rabbits, the boy’s legs, the stump on which he is sitting, and his forearms. He wears a most unusual yellow cap and a green jacket.

The figure is in very good condition but the fragile overglaze green enamels and black enamels show signs of extensive flaking.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 3.5”

Date: c. 1840

A very attractive and well made figure of substantial scale depicting a woman with a tambourine, and man leaning by her side, and a goat at their feet.

This striking figure is sparsely decorated but with excellent use of gilt, facial details, and independently modelled elements which demonstrate its real quality.

The figure has some hallmarks of Dudson Factory figures of this period - blue shoes, blue eyes, certain gilt motifs, and Dudson-esque faces - though this is not at all certain.

It is possible that the inspiration for this figure is Esmeralda and Gringoire - the principal characters from the Jules Perrot choreographed ballet La Esmeralda, based on Victor Hugo's novel Notre-Dame de Paris and premiering with Perrot and his wife Carlotta Grisi. Such figures (of which several forms were made) typically include the elements: a woman with a tambourine, a man with a triangle, and a goat. However, the characters in this figure are not dancing and the man does not have a triangle. Furthermore, the ballet premiered in 1844 and most related figures date to that period. This figure seems to be too late.

Either way, this is a fabulous figure group - very striking and employing to great effect the white-and-gilt style of this period.

In excellent condition with no damage, but with visible crazing, some flaking, and some spots where the glaze has landed too thickly and picked up kiln debris.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 10.5”

Date: c. 1860s

A small figure depicting a single russet and white spaniel.

This simple figure is appealing and nicely decorated. The dog wears a gilt collar and padlock and has yellow eyes.

This figure is offered in very good condition with some discreet firing flaws and some light flaking to the spaniel’s nose.

Reference: Similar form to A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Dogs, p. 25, fig. 2460

Height: 5.25”

Date: c. 1850s

A charming pair of small figures depicting a sailor and girl standing next to roped bollards.

The sailor figure was produced in four sizes, but the companion figure was made only in the smaller two sizes.

These little figures are naïve but are offered in good condition, presenting well. There is an old, shallow chip to the back of the female figure and some light discolouration and flaking.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 245, figs 871 and 872

Height: 4.25”

Date: c. 1854

A scarce and unusual Victorian figure depicting the personification of Charity in the form of a woman holding the hand of a child and with a baby in her arms.

This small figure is a later copy of a very common pre-Victorian figure form (perhaps the most commonly produced early Staffordshire forms). This later version follows the type of Victorian figures, which is to say it is made from a single, simple mould with any independent elements, unlike the earlier predecessors.

A pattern of four ochre dots int he form of a diamond is painted on the base.

This figure is in nice original condition with no damage or repair. There is some flaking to the green elements and hair, as well as some fading and discolouration.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 4.5”

Date: c. 1840s

A lovely pair of diminutive figures depicting children standing with goats.

The well-dressed boy and girl stand cross-legged holding the front lefts of their affectionate pet goats.

These simple, naïve figures are in good condition with some flaking, firing flaws, and enamel misapplication.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 4.75”

Date: c. 1860

A very fine and desirable large portrait figure depicting the famed Crimean-era nurse Florence Nightingale.

This very elegant and striking figure depicts Florence Nightingale standing next to a column on which books are piled. The figure is sparsely decorated but with liberal application of gilt to highlight textures and movement, and a fabulous blue-eyed face. The figure’s title - ‘MISS NIGHTINGALE’ - is written in raised gilt capitals on the base.

Figures of Nightingale were produced following the Crimean War as she became a celebrated reformer of the vital nursing profession. These figures were produced even into the 19th century, and dating individual examples can be difficult. Based on the quality of gilt and the style of the face it seems reasonable to date this figure quite close to the end of the war.

The figure is in excellent original condition with only some very light age-related wear.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 99, fig. 235

Height: 14”

Date: c. 1860

A very sweet and endearing pair of figures depicting a boy and girl standing with colourful birds and pet rabbits sitting atop their hutches.

The nicely modelled figures are simply decorated with sparse colouring, but independently modelled elements (the children’s legs, the rabbits, etc.).

These appealing figures are in excellent condition with no damage or repair, only some negligible firing flaws to the male figure.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book Two, p. 169, figs 2389 and 2390

Height: 6”

Date: c. 1860s

A nicely made small figure depicting Uncle Tom and Eva from the abolitionist novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

As with similar Staffordshire depictions of these characters, Uncle Tom is seated and little Eva stands on his leg, his arm around her.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin was a very popular subject for the Staffordshire potters who had deep abolitionist sympathies. Although the depiction of Tom in most such figures is heavily inspired by music hall acts, the sentiments of the potters towards this character were warm.

The figure presents well and is in good condition. There are some deep crazing / firing lines (which are not damage) across the front and back of the figure and a negligible little nick to the base.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded, but a larger, more elaborate titled version can be found in: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 300, fig. 1090

Height: 5.25”

Date: c. 1860

A charming figure depicting a girl standing by a column with an animal - probably a puppy.

This lovely little porcelaneous figure is very well modelled with pleasing depth and crispness, particularly to the column, base, and the girl’s bloomers.

The figure presents beautifully but is in repaired condition, with a clean break across the base (running along the line of the upright portion) having been discreetly - but not invisibly - repaired. Fortunately this is not particularly noticeable from the front.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 5.5”

Date: c. 1840

A very rare porcelaneous figure depicting a bearded man carrying a sack over his shoulder and a hat in his other hand - possibly a peddler or itinerant salesman, generally referred to as a ‘hat seller’.

The source of this figure has never been conclusively identified, but it may have a theatrical or literary origin.

This quality figure is striking and well decorated, carrying great presence and character.

The figure is in good condition but for a small nick to the rim of the hat and some wear to the rim of the base.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Second Addendum, p. 88, fig. 1178A

Height: 8”

Date: c. 1840

A very sweet little pair of diminutive figures - possibly made as fairings - depicting a man and woman on horseback, probably intended to be Prince Albert and Queen Victoria.

Albert (in neutrally coloured military garb) and Victoria (in a long white dress and yellow hat) sit atop brown horses. The scene is modelled atop light green bases with yellow bands.

These humble figures are reasonably legible and the decoration, while simple, is pleasing.

Prince Albert is in very good condition with some flaking to the enamel of the horse’s mane, light rubbing to the top of his plumed hat, some firing flaws, and a manufacturing flaw to the base which is largely inconsequential. Queen Victoria has some small nibbles and rubbing to her hat and the same flaw to the rim of the base - more notably, a shallow chip to the horse’s tail has been repainted to conceal it. Overall, though imperfect, these little figures display nicely.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 5.25”

Date: c. 1860

A striking, large and heavy pair of figural spill vases depicting cows and suckling calves by a river.

The russet and white belted cows stand by a river before a wide-mouthed green spill holder looking out at the viewer. Each has a calf suckling from their udders.

These popular figures display well and are nicely coloured.

Both figures are in good condition. Both exhibit a degree of enamel flaking, particularly to the green background in the case of the right hand figure. But for flaking, the left hand figure is in very good condition. There is a firing flaw to the neck of the right hand cow and the back leg of the calf.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book Two, p. 240, figs. 2893 and 2894

Height: 12”

Date: c. 1860

An absolutely superb and very rare late 18th century pearlware relief moulded plaque depicting a well-dressed gentleman walking with a cane.

He wears a topcoat, breaches, waistcoat, and hat. The scene is bordered with a foliate design and surrounded with a black moulded frame.

This depiction in plaque form seems to have originated from the pottery of Ralph Wood in about 1785, although the colour of enamels in this particular plaque suggests it was made by another potter, possibly using Wood's mould. Myrna Schkolne records a Ralph Wood iteration depicting both this young man and a well dressed young woman walking ahead of him, although other versions which are presented as pairs (the woman on one, the man on the other - as in this case) are recorded too.

The plaque - or 'plaques' in the case of the pair - is referred to as 'Patricia and Her Lover' based on a plate from Frank Falkner's The Wood Family of Burslem. Patricia walks playfully ahead of the young man, he lustfully following behind. It is an enchanting depiction of flirtation and desire. Interestingly, when found as a pair, 'Patricia' is larger than her admirer, and Myrna Schkolne suggests that this is to create the visual effect that the man is following from a distance when the two plaques are hung together - and when you look at Falkner's plate showing the two plaques side by side this effect leaps out at you.

The source for these plaques is an 18th century engraving titled Jack on a Cruise, with the subtitle 'Avast there! Back your mainsail'. Instances of nautical terms of this nature being used to describe women's extravagant hats can be found in several shanties and broadsides of this period.

This astonishing and important work is in excellent condition with no apparent restoration. There has been some retouching of the black enamels at the top of the frame. There may be other professional retouching of the enamels and while I would not rule it out (out of abundance of caution), I cannot detect any. There is some wear to the black enamel of the decorative finial which is strung for hanging, though I would recommend that the buyer restring the plaque to ensure its security. There are some light scratches to the glaze commensurate with age.

A rare and precious item.

Reference: See F. Falkner, The Wood Family of Burslem, pl. XIX, illustrations 75 and 76

Height: 14.25” (to top of finial)

Width: 8”

Date: c. 1795

A matched pair of small russet and white spaniels.

These chunky dogs are made from a single press-mould with combined legs and tails. They wear gilded collars and locks and have yellow eyes. They are fairly well matched although their shades of russet are slightly different, as are the size of their spots.

The left hand figure has several shallow scuffs down to the clay body to the head and earns - some of these have been overpainted in russet to conceal them but a few others on the top of the head have been left. The right hand figure is in better condition with some scuffs around the rim of the base and some flaking to the russet.

Reference: Similar form to A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Dogs, p. 25, figs 2460 and 2461

Height: 5”

Date: c. 1850s

Please see condition notes below:

An exceptional and hugely rare Staffordshire porcelain figural candlestick made by the Dudson Factory as part of the ‘Tulip Range’.

This very fine figural piece depicts a huntsman sitting on a grassy ledge under a tree reloading his rifle. A faithful hunting dog sits at his feet, a dead rabbit or hare lying nearby. The beautiful winding tree trunk serves as the stem of the candlestick. It is decorated with vines and small flowers. The sconce of the candlestick is a pink tulip with gilt-tipped petals.

This extremely rare piece belongs to the same family of Dudson figures as another candlestick I have for sale (which is in immaculate condition).

This candlestick is in imperfect condition but it displays beautifully. For a piece of such outstanding intricacy, it is not surprising that it has sustained some loss. I will delineate the issues of damage and restoration: There is fairly proficient restoration to the huntsman’s right arm, right hand, right leg, the pouch of gunpowder he is holding. There is a repair to the barrel of the rifle. The dog has been reattached to the base, and the base beneath him is restored. A large pink flower has been restored. Some flowers on the trunk are missing, some are restored, and some have small loss. The standard of restoration is reasonable but not professional. Nevertheless, this very rare and extraordinarily fine figure will be a superb and boast-worthy addition to any Staffordshire collection.

Reference: A. Dudson & A. Morgan, Dudson Staffordshire Figures c. 1815 - c. 1865, p. 31, fig. 29

Height: 6.75”

Date: c. 1820s

A fabulous and colourful porcelain figure depicting a seated sheep shearer, attributed to the Dudson Factory.

This wonderful figure is beautifully decorated and coloured with rich tones and careful enamelling.

It is offered in fairly good restored condition. The sheep’s ears; shearer’s left leg; shearer’s hat; and base have all been damaged and restored or repaired with a fair degree of proficiency, though not the extent they could be called ‘invisible’. In the case of the base, the cracks are visible as the restorer has not concealed them except on the underside, presumably for reinforcement. This means that the figure displays well but its troubled history is apparent at close inspection. Nevertheless, it is a delightful figure.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 6.5”

Date: c. 1830s

A very large figure depicting Napoleon III, first President of France and subsequently Emperor of the French.

Napoleon stands in regal attire by a stone pillar on an oblong base bearing the figure’s title - ‘LOUIS NAPOLEON’ - in raised gilt capitals.

This large and impressive figure presents very well. The figure can be found well coloured or sparsely coloured, and this particular iterations benefits from bold decoration. It may have been made to commemorate the formation of the Crimean Alliance, shortly after Napoleon became Emperor.

It is offered in good condition. There is a shallow chip to the (viewer’s) right side of the base and old collectors’ stickers have left residue to the back of the figure (though these can probably be tackled with isopropyl alcohol). The black scabbard - the only black part of the figure decorated with overglaze black - has been repainted to conceal extensive flaking.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 211, fig. 733

Height: 16”

Date: c. 1854

A charming figure depicting a gentleman and lady standing together under an umbrella.

This is one of a number of figures depicting couples under umbrellas. Some seem to be theatrical in nature and others have been identified as Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, though the characters in this figure bear no resemblance to the royal couple.

This charming figure is especially naïve and unusual due to the fact that the nature of the model means the man and woman appear to share a face. It benefits from individually modelled legs.

The figure is in very good condition. There are some little nicks to two points of the umbrella and some flaking to the man’s hair. There is a firing flaw at the top of the man’s left leg. The figure has been professionally and effectively invisibly reattached to the base.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 6”

Date: c. 1850

A handsome and well modelled figure depicting a male highland musician standing by a long stringed instrument.

This figure is crisp and nicely decorated. it makes for a striking display.

The figure is offered in reasonably good condition and it displays excellently. There is a small chip to the edge of the end of the musician’s scarf on the (viewer’s) left. The hat’s plume has been professionally restored. There is some nibbling to one side of the base and some sparse flaking (and some retouching to the black).

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 7.75”

Date: c. 1860

A good looking heavy earthenware figure depicting two men sitting at a barrel reading a newspaper announcing the outbreak of war.

The first versions of this figure were produced in 1854 at the outbreak of the Crimean War. The figure was reproduced throughout the 19tyh century whenever war was declared. This iteration seems to be an earlier version.

The figure presents well. There is some very discreet restoration to the moulded branch features, and the black enamels have been repainted. There is a firing flaw to the back and some nibbles around the base.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875L: Book Three, p. 74, fig. A 927 (original Crimean version)

Height: 8.5”

Date: c. 1854 or later

A late 19th or first-half 20th century heavy earthenware figure depicting two drunkards in 18th century dress.

This figure was made by the William Kent Factory. It is a copy of an early figure, made by a number of potters including Enoch Wood, which is sometimes referred to as ‘The Vicar and Moses’, ‘The Parson and The Clerk’, or ‘The Drunken Night Watchman’ (and some other variations).

Kent reproduced this figure in Staffordshire until the end of figural production and called his figure ‘Inebriates’ in his catalogue.

This figure is very commonly found being mis-sold as ‘early’. It is one of the most commonly mis-sold Staffordshire figures. It is, nevertheless, an appealing item and comparatively well made by the standard of Kent’s copies of pre-Victorian figures

This figure is in excellent condition with no damage or repair.

Reference: Kent Factory Catalogue 1955, fig. no. 277

Height: 8.75”

Date: Late period

Provenance: Ex Collection of Sir Alfred Owen, New Hall

A very sweet miniature figure depicting Napoleon Bonaparte, probably made as a fairing.

Despite its diminutive size, this little figure is nicely coloured and legible, with a better face than you will find in some fairings. Napoleon stands in military garb with a cocked hat, pink sash, and a sword in his left hand.

This figure is in very good condition. There is fading to the gilt band on the base and some small nibbles around the rim of the base.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 3.25”

Date: c. 1860

Provenance: Christie’s 9th March 1995, lot 139 (label retained)

A rare, handsome and desirable figure depicting a Greenwich Pensioner. This figure was made by the Alpha Factory and has been professionally restored (please see details below).

The man sits drinking a mug on a table to his left, on which documents are spread. He wears the uniform of a Greenwich Pensioner.

The figure pairs with another Alpha Factory figure of a Greenwich Pensioner (at the time of listing, also available from this site, and with restoration). The pair is shown in a photograph accompanying this listing.

The figure presents well but has been professionally restored. There is old professional restoration through the waist, arms, nose, and the brim of the hat. The restoration has been carried out to a very high standard. The figure is crazed and there are some nibbles to the base.

Reference: P. D. Gordon Pugh, Staffordshire Portrait Figures, p. C291, pl. 76, fig. 222

Height: 8”

Date: c. 1844

A handsome, desirable, and well coloured figure depicting a Greenwich Pensioner. This figure was made by the Alpha Factory and has been restored (please see details below).

The man sits with his right elbow resting on a table, a jug in his right hand and a cup (lost) in his left. He is dressed in the uniform of a Greenwich Hospital pensioner. His right has been amputated and he wears a peg leg in its place. The figure is based on an engraving from the Illustrated London News , 13th April 1844.

The figure pairs with another Alpha Factory figure of a Greenwich Pensioner (at the time of listing, also available from this site, and with restoration). The pair is shown in a photograph accompanying this listing.

The figure presents nicely with all the charm and colour of the Alpha Factory, however there are several areas of restoration. The left hand has been restored, and although the cup in the left hand was also restored it is now lost again. The nose has been restored, as has the top tip of the cocked hat. The restoration restores some balance to the figure but it is not invisible.

Reference: P. D. Gordon Pugh, Staffordshire Portrait Figures, p. C291, pl. 76, fig. 221

Height: 8.5”

Date: c. 1844

A very fine and uncommon figure commemorating the marriage of Princess Alice - Queen Victoria’s third child - and Prince Louis of Hesse.

This figure bears the hallmarks of the Dudson Factory - blue eyes, blue shoes, orange shoes, and blue parsley.

This figure is of superb quality, a truly fine construction. it boasts fabulous intricate details and textures (the Princess' skirt, her hand muff, her plumed hat, etc.), a striking cobalt and white palette, beautiful faces, and solid, expert gilding. A marvellous and scarce figure.

This figure is in excellent original condition. There is some light flaking to the hair enamels and some original firing flaws. There is a manufacturing flaw (under the glaze) to the back of the Princess’ hat.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book Three, p. 63, fig. a685

Height: 8.75”

Date: c. 1862

A finely modelled and attractive figural spill vase depicting two a children.

The older boy - wearing a kilt, high socks, a sash, and a large plumed hat - holds a jug in his right hand. With his left, he holds the hand of the younger girl. The girl wears a plaid skirt, pink bloomers, and a plumed cocked hat. She holds an elegant bird in her left hand. They stand beneath a tree trunk which serves as a spill holder.

The most notable feature of the figure is its very ornate base which is beautifully textured with foliate patterns, flowers and traces of gilt (though the gilt is somewhat faded).

I have not been able to determine the subject of this beautifully modelled figure.

A break to the top of the spill has been repaired (see photos) but the figure is otherwise in very good condition with a small firing flaw to the little girl’s hat and kiln soot in the glaze on the back of the figure.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 7.75”

Date: c. 1860

A charming, fun, and unusual Staffordshire figure of a man sitting with a jug of ale wearing an oversized hat. This figure is presumed to function as a novelty salt dish.

The figure is nicely coloured with vivid gilt features. Its base is hollow, as is the large, unusual hat which can function as a small dish. While salt shakers in this style are not unusual, a salt dish is rather rarer.

This figural salt dish is in very good condition. There is a firing flaw on the (viewer’s) left side of the figure and a small chip to the base there (which seems to be under the glaze). There is a firing flaw to the inside of the hat.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 4.5”

Date: c. 1850