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

A lively and well coloured figure of theatrical or literary form, possibly depicting the pirate chief Conrad from Lord Byron’s poem The Corsair (although this has not been confidently verified).

This figure is probably the work of the Alpha Factory.

The figure is full of energy and movement. It is beautifully modelled and full of bold, vivid colouring.

The figure displays well but the right hand has been restored, as has the item in the figure’s right hand (which has been incorrectly restored). The restored scroll is much larger than in the original figure. The restoration is not professional but it does rebalance the figure. There is also a small, superficial rub to the nose and some flaking to the orange and green enamels.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 368, fig. 1414

Height: 7.25”

Date: c. 1845

A very handsome figure depicting the great English playwright William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare leans against an ornate column topped with a stack of books. He holds a manuscript in his left hand. He stands, cross-legged, on an ornate, gilded, magenta-topped base.

This is a figure of lovely quality - one of the finer Shakespeare figures of this kind.

The is offered in fair restored condition. There is proficient restoration of the right hand, and to the thumb of the left hand. There is a proficient repair across the neck. The quality of restoration is reasonable and reasonably discreet, though the right hand should be pointing and thumb is not strictly in proportion, as is clear from the accompanying images. There is a firing flaw in the crook of the right arm. Nevertheless, the figure displays very nicely.

Reference: Similar smaller figure: P. D. Gordon Pugh, Staffordshire Portrait Figures, p. H576, pl. 7B, fig. 24

Height: 9”

Date: c. 1840s

Provenance: The Kirkland Tellwright Collection

An impressive and monumental pair of figures of Crimean War interest depicting Sir Charles Napier - Commander of the Baltic fleet - and Sir J. W. Deans Dundas - Vice-Admiral and commander in the Mediterranean - standing in military garb next to cannons and piles of cannon balls.

These figures were made in three or four different sizes of which these are the largest. They are well-coloured and striking, with titles in raised flags on the bases.

Both figures display very well though some condition issues must be noted. Dundas has a crack, filled and stabilised, down the lines of the press-mould join. It culminates in a hairline crack on Dundas’ right epaulette. There is a small rub to Dundas’ nose. There is a hairline crack through Napier’s shins, all the way round the figure. This cracks has been filled and stabilised, and it is not clear if the figure has fully broken along the line. Both figures have fairly extensive crazing. These issues are clearly shown in the accompanying images.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. p. 90, fig. 211 P; and p. 57, fig. 127 P

Height: 16”

Date: c. 1854

A well made and well decorated bust of the Duke of Wellington fashioned as a jug with handle.

The Duke wears a military jacket with gilt adornments and orange a yellow epaulettes, and a white cocked hat with gilt trim. An ornate moulded handle is affixed to the back.

This jug is typically found well coloured although more sparsely coloured examples exist. It is well modelled and very well decorated - rich, vivid, and precise.

There is a stable hairline running about two inches down from the (viewer’s) right side of the cocked hat - this may be a firing flaw as the crazing pattern lines up very neatly with it. There is some sporadic flaking - to Wellington’s left eye and to the orange of the epaulettes.

Reference: P. D. Gordon Pugh, Staffordshire Portrait Figures, p. C261, pl. 16C, fig. 45(c)

Height: 7.5”

Date: c. 1840s

A charming miniature figure generally thought to depict Queen Victoria arm in arm with Prince Albert.

The Queen wears a long gown and a crown. Albert is dressed in full military garb.

For a time it was theorised that the figure depicts Queen Victoria and Emperor Napoleon, and while this is not impossible it should be noted that other Alliance figures featuring the Queen and the French Emperor show them holding hands rather than arm in arm, hence why it is perhaps likelier that the male subject is the Queen’s husband.

This little commemorative figure is a lovely little example - simple but well made and legible.

It is offered in excellent original condition with a small patch of wear to the front of the Queen’s crown. There is some discolouration to the glaze.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victoria Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 169, fig. 478

Height: 4.5”

Date: c. 1850s

A fine and very handsome figure of Prince Albert.

The Prince wears a long cobalt coat, a green patterned waistcoat, and a pink top hat.

This lovely figure pairs with a similar figure of Queen Victoria (also available on this site, at the time of posting), but they are a matched pair as the bases are different.

This figure is in good restored condition. There is professional restoration to Albert’s nose, right arm, right hand, and through his neck. There is a small chip to his top hat. The restoration has been carried out to a good standard and the figure displays very well.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 162, fig. 442

Height: 8”

Date: c. 1840s

Provenance: Christie’s, 7th September 1995, lot 228

A fine and unusual figure depicting Queen Victoria.

She wears a cobalt jacket, white blouse with orange bow, pink skirt, and a top hat with a flowing shawl tied around it. She stands on a square cushion-textured base with gilt decorations.

This uncommon figure pairs with a figure of Prince Albert which is also available from this website, although they are a matched pair as they have different bases and are therefore being sold separately.

This figure is in reasonable restored condition. The left hand is restored to an acceptable standard (though it is not invisible at close inspection), as has the front of the hat (though this is rather better) Much of the gilt has faded and there is some discolouration in places. Nevertheless, this figure displays very well.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 162, fig. 441

Height: 7.75”

Date: c. 1840s

Provenance: Christie’s, 7th September 1995, lot 228

A pleasing little figure depicting Napoleon Bonaparte, standing in military garb and a cocked with his right hand inside his jacket and a baton or spyglass in his left hand.

This simple but nicely modelled little figure is in very good original condition. There is a spot of stray enamel on the tip of Napoleon’s nose (this is not damage or rubbing), some very small spots of flaking to some of the enamels, and a spot of retouching to the black hat.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 5.25”

Date: c. 1850s

A charming and very elegant pair of small figures depicting the young Prince of Wales and Princess Royal riding on ponies.

The Princess sits side-saddle with a whip in her right hand. The Prince sits facing forwards. Both children wear plumed hats, and are modelled atop ornate, gilded rococo bases.

Examples of these figures can be found titled, or without independently modelled limbs. While these two lack titles, they do boast independently modelled elements - the outward legs of the ponies and the children’s arms.

These delightful figures display beautifully and are offered in very good restored condition. There is professional restoration to the ponies’ ears; and a professional, invisible repair across the Prince’s waist.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 186, figs 588 and 589

Height: 7.25”

Date: c. 1845

A very sweet and well made little figure depicting a hunter with a dog.

The hunter, standing by a gate, wears a green jacket with yellow patterned breaches and has a rifle leaning on his right leg. A little russet and white dog stands at his side.

This is a really charming figure with an unusual degree of detail and impressive modelling on display given its size.

It is offered in very good condition with no signs of damage or repair. There is some flaking to the enamels, particularly on the back of the hunter’s jacket.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Second Addendum, p. 163, fig. 1828F

Height: 4.25”

Date: c. 1850

An exceptionally large and impressive matched pair of figures depicting the Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi and the English playwright William Shakespeare, attributed to Sampson Smith.

These figures are among the tallest produced by the Victorian potters.

Each man stands easily, one leg crossed in front of the other, leaning on a tall ornate column. Garibaldi wears a sword on his right hip, and Shakespeare leans his elbow on a pile of books atop the column. The titles of each figure (‘Garibaldi’ and ‘Shakespeare’) are written in gilt cursive script on the bases.

While there may always be some doubt, it is assumed that the two figures form a pair, and that the reason that such disparate historical figures should have been depicted together is that Garibaldi visited Britain in 1864, coinciding with the tricentenary celebration of Shakespeare’s birth.

Both figures present excellently and are in generally good condition. Garibaldi has a lengthy crack running along the line of the press-mould join, but this seems to be relatively stable. Shakespeare has some small, superficial surface chips in places, including the collar, and some discreet firing flaws along the line of the press-mould join. Both figures have a small degree of enamel flaking. Despite the imperfection to Garibaldi, these figures make for a fabulous and very imposing display.

Reference: P. D. Gordon Pugh, Staffordshire Portrait Figures, p. H574, pl. 2, fig. C280; and pl. 3, fig. 3

Height: 19”

Date: c. 1864

A fabulous figure depicting a sailor with his arm around a woman, made at the time of the Crimean War.

The sailor wears a striped sailor’s shirt, cobalt jacket, and orange necktie. He holds a cap to his head, as though blown by the wind. His girl wears a cobalt jacket, patterned skirt, and a large pink shawl. They are modelled atop a naturalistic base.

This is a lovely presentation of this figure, which is often found sparsely coloured. It is beautifully composed rich textures.

It is offered in very good condition with no damage or loss. Some small flakes to the black enamel have been very discreetly retouched, and there are some sparse flakes to the girl’s skirt.

Reference: A. & N. Harding, Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835 - 1875: Book One, p. 240, fig. 846

Height: 9.5”

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 and nicely decorated figure is full of charm and character. The lady’s right arm and the gentleman’s right left are independently modelled, as is the umbrella.

The figure is in good restored condition. There is professional restoration to the front of the umbrella and a small chip to one of its corners.

Reference: Possibly unrecorded

Height: 7”

Date: c. 1845