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A rare and finely modeled pair of enamel-painted pearlware candlesticks, each standing 12 inches high, attributed to Ralph Wood and dating to circa 1790.
The group on the left, traditionally known as Liberty and Matrimony, features male and female figures accompanied by a bird and cage, symbolically representing the transition from the freedom of single life to the perceived constraints of marriage. The companion group depicts a gentleman piper alongside a shepherdess within a pastoral landscape. Together, the pair exemplifies the period’s fondness for subject matter rendered in a bucolic idiom. Early figural candlesticks are scarce, and this pair is distinguished by its refined modeling, delicate enamel palette, and illustrious maker. Condition: Liberty and Matrimony with restoration to the swan’s neck; the shepherdess and piper group with restoration to the tip of the flute; both with some bocage restoration. Formerly with John Howard. $6,800. |
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A pair of enamel-painted figures representing Tam and Souter Johnny, the convivial companions from Tam O’Shanter by Robert Burns. Their design draws directly from the celebrated life-sized stone figures that James Thom carved in 1828. These toured Britain and popularized these iconic characters. The Staffordshire potter Obadiah Sherratt translated Thom’s sculptures into pottery, capturing the humor and camaraderie of the pair.
The figures stand 7 inches and 6½ inches high and reflect Sherratt’s characteristic liveliness and narrative charm. There are no restorations or repairs. $550 Comparable figures are illustrated in Schkolne, Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, vol. 2, fig. 37.4. |
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An exquisite and rare pair of petite mythological figures portraying Jupiter and Juno, modeled in enamel-painted pearlware and produced in Staffordshire circa 1800. Jupiter holding lightning bolts is accompanied by his eagle, while Juno stands gracefully beside her peacock—each attribute reinforcing their classical identities.
Both figures are set upon square bases and are strongly suggestive of an attribution to Enoch Wood. Painted numerals—“29” beneath Jupiter and “40” beneath Juno—are likely workmen’s marks. Of pleasingly small scale, the pair measures 6⅜ inches in height at most. Restored tips of his lightning bolts and her scepter; Juno’s head has been reattached; minor enamel flaking touched up. $1490 |
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A perfect Staffordshire pearlware model of a dignified pointer at rest Reclining alertly, he embodies the faithful sporting companion so admired in early nineteenth-century England.
Enameled in pleasing colors, this figure dates to circa 1815 and measures 7 inches in length. Notably, it remains in excellent original condition with no restoration, a feature increasingly scarce in these early animal models. This delightful and decorative piece will resonate with both dog lovers and collectors of early Staffordshire pottery. $550 |
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Fine Staffordshire pottery figures of classical maidens each resting on grassy mound.
The lady on the left has a flower in her hair and on the base, suggesting an association with the goddess Flora, or perhaps she is allegorical of the season Spring. The lady on the right sits upon wheat, and wheat decorates her head, so perhaps she portrays the goddess Ceres, who is also allegorical of the season Summer. Each figure is molded in relief, and the reverse is flat and unpainted. Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1810. Length 5-1/2 inches (left), 6-7/8 in. right. $1,290 |
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A delightful yellow deer, poised alertly before a bocage, exudes the charm and whimsy that make early Staffordshire figures so appealing.
Attributed to Obadiah Sherratt—celebrated for his animated and characterful depictions of everyday life—it was produced in Staffordshire circa 1820. Enameled pearlware. Two bocage fronds have been professionally restored. $750. |
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A striking Staffordshire pottery figure of Sir John Falstaff, the rotund and cowardly knight of Shakespeare’s Henry IV and The Merry Wives of Windsor.
While most figures of Falstaff are attributed to Enoch Wood, this figure emanates from another pottery and stands apart for its notably finer and more attractive enamel decoration. As is typical for this model, the extended section of Falstaff’s right arm and sword has been professionally restored. Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1810. Height: 7½ inches. $290. |
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A charming early nineteenth-century Staffordshire pottery figure group portraying the goddess Venus at play with mischievous Cupid. The group is modeled and painted with delicate detail, and the rounded base is attractively decorated with applied grass and flowers.
Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1820. Height 4-1/2 inches. $550 |
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A striking Staffordshire pearlware spill vase centered on a tender family grouping and attributed to the “Patriotic Group” pottery.
Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1825. Measures 8½ inches high and 9 inches wide. Restoration to the man’s foot, arms, and hands; the piece presents attractively. $750 Illustrated in Schkolne, Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, vol. 4, fig. 144.8. |
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A delightful Staffordshire pearlware spill vase depicting a young boy energetically climbing a tree, probably intent on raiding a bird’s nest--an appealing subject that captures a popular pastime of that day. The figure is brightly enameled and set against a well-formed bocage.
Made in Staffordshire circa 1825, it measures 8½ inches in both height and width. Restoration to the bocage fronds and the boy’s basket; otherwise displays well. $350 |
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A distinguished pair of Staffordshire pottery figures depicting a rural sporting couple, each before a finely modeled bocage adorned with flowers. The gentleman is accompanied by his hunting dog, every sportsman’s faithful companion, while the lady leans gracefully against her target, bow in hand—reflecting archery’s unique place as a socially acceptable outdoor sport for women in the early nineteenth century.
Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1825. Height 7 inches. Formerly with John Howard. $1,695. |
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A striking true pair of early Staffordshire pottery lions, each modeled with a raised paw resting upon a ball and set atop a vividly colored base. The bold stance and expressive modeling capture the enduring charm that makes these lions so sought after by collectors.
Made circa 1820, each measures 5½ inches in height and 6 inches in width. The tail of the right lion has been restored; otherwise, both figures are in fine condition. $750. Illustrated in Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, Volume 3, fig. 126.43. |
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A small-scale Staffordshire pottery bust of Horatio Nelson (1758–1805), the celebrated British naval commander whose victories during the wars with Revolutionary and Napoleonic France secured his reputation as one of Britain’s greatest heroes. The reverse bears the impressed title NELSON. Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1810. Height 6 inches. Seller will provide a condition report on request. $895.
Illustrated in Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, Volume 4, fig. 200.16. |
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A refined and engaging Staffordshire pottery figure group of a shoemaker and lady, depicting a shoemaker attentively fitting a lady’s shoe before a leafy bocage. The composition captures a moment of genteel interaction, while the lively enamel palette—remarkably well preserved—enhances both figures and their setting.
Attributed to the Patriotic Group pottery, this piece dates to circa 1820 and stands 9½ inches high. Two bocage tips have been restored; otherwise, the condition is fine. $750. For comparable examples, see Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, Volume 1, chapter 29. |
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This Staffordshire pottery figure portrays Isaac Newton, widely regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians and scientists in history. He stands beside a celestial globe with 1680 painted beneath it, a reference to the great comet of that year—often called “Newton’s Comet.”
Beautifully modeled and richly enamel-painted, this impressive figure is attributed to the celebrated potter Ralph Wood and was made in Staffordshire circa 1790. Comparable examples are held in the collections of the Fitzwilliam Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Brighton and Hove Museum. Height 12.1 inches. Seller's condition report on request. $1800. Similar figures are illustrated in Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, vol. 2, figs. 71.1, 71.2. |
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An impressive enamel-painted pottery bust portraying John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent, one of the great figures of the British navy. Made at the celebrated Herculaneum Pottery in Liverpool circa 1800 and clearly impressed “HERCULANEUM POTTERY” on the reverse.
Jervis entered the Royal Navy at the age of thirteen and rose to become First Lord of the Admiralty. A brilliant strategist and administrator, he transformed Britain’s Mediterranean fleet into a disciplined and formidable naval force. The young Horatio Nelson benefited greatly from his mentorship. Height 8.9 inches. Professional restoration to tip of nose and minor base chip. $2300. Formerly with John Howard. Illustrated in Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, vol. 4, fig. 200.98 |
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A rare Staffordshire pottery group of two rotund farm workers standing before bocage, he holding a cup of ale and she a basket of produce, all raised on an attractive scrolled base. The figures are charmingly modeled, with a warmth and naïveté typical of the period. Circa 1820. Height 6¼ inches. Rake and her basket/forearms professionally restored. $850.
Illustrated in Schkolne, Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, Vol. 1, fig. 28.36; and People, Passions, Pastimes, & Pleasures, 303. Exhibited at the Mint Museum of Art, Mirth & Mayhem: Staffordshire Figures 1810 -1835, Nov.2006-April 2007. |
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This impressive figure portrays Saint George triumphing over the dragon. St. George, the patron saint of England, was among the most celebrated heroes of medieval legend. According to the well-known tale, a princess was destined to be sacrificed to a terrible dragon until Saint George rode forth and slew the beast with his lance. The figure captures the moment of victory, the dragon subdued beneath the saint’s horse.
Boldly modeled and richly enamel-painted, this striking example was made in Staffordshire circa 1810. Standing an impressive 11 inches tall, it has pleasing scale and presence—an eye-catching early figure that displays beautifully. Seller's condition report on request. $1950. For similar figures, see Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, vol. 2, chapter 62. |
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An impressive Staffordshire pottery bust of Napoleon Bonaparte, boldly modeled and colorfully enameled as a tribute to the man who dominated European affairs in the early nineteenth century.
Produced while Napoleon still commanded the attention of the continent, the bust reflects the extraordinary fascination he inspired across Europe prior to his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. BONAPARTE is impressed on the reverse. No repairs or restoration, only minor historical wear. Made in Staffordshire circa 1810. Height 9.9 inches. $1900. Formerly with John Howard. A similar bust is illustrated in Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, vol. 4, fig. 200.48. |
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A chubby putto seated leaning against a bocage, clasping what may be a spy glass in his raised hand, and his other hand holds a tiny, circular object—likely a magnifying glass—modeled in low relief and merging visually with the base. Attributed to the potter Obadiah Sherratt. Enameled over a pearlware glaze in pleasingly muted enamels with bright flowers enhancing the base and bocage. Staffordshire, circa 1825. Height 6-1/8 inches. Two clean breaks repaired, otherwise fine. $675.
Previously with Andrew Dando. Illustrated in Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, Vol. 4, fig. 197.57 |
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A charming Staffordshire pottery figure of a boy and his dog, with the title BOY AND DOG impressed on the front of the base. This figure is noteworthy in that it bears the rare impressed mark of the potter Samuel Hall on the reverse. The distinctive bocage—formed with oak leaves and red acorns rather than flowers—is a feature favored by Hall and supports the attribution.
A small portion of the bocage has been lost and the remaining stump was painted over. Otherwise in good condition. Enamel-painted, Staffordshire, circa 1830. Height: 6-3/8 inches. $195 Formerly with Andrew Dando. Illustrated in Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, Vol. I, figs. 27.25, 27.26 |
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A rare pearlware figure of a cow standing before a bocage on a high-waisted base, the form of which supports an attribution to the Staffordshire potter Obadiah Sherratt.
The figure is finely modeled and attractively enameled in pleasing colors, and it remains in excellent condition. Made in Staffordshire circa 1825. Height: 7½ inches. Price: $750 Illustrated in Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, Vol. III, fig. 118.31. |
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This charming pair of children, noses buried in their books, offers a glimpse into the early nineteenth century, when efforts were underway to promote literacy among the broader public. Impressed with the titles COTTAGE BOY and COTTAGE GIRL, the figures may have served as quiet emblems of aspiration in modest homes where children were learning to read.
Enamel-painted pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1820. Height: 6½ inches. Price: $500. |
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A rare and amusing pepper pot—perhaps a hat pin holder (who really knows? 😊)—made by the potter Obadiah Sherratt and portraying the legendary Devonshire schoolteacher Roger Giles in a squatting pose. Giles is said to have placed an advertisement in his local newspaper offering fresh eggs “new laid by him every day,” and this figural pot wittily depicts him engaged in precisely that activity. Although the advertisement's date remains unknown, this example--among the earliest recorded Roger Giles pots—places the yarn securely in the 1830s at the latest.
Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1830. Height 4¾ inches. No restoration. Price: $350. Illustrated in Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, vol. 4, figs. 151.1 and 151.2. |
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A striking pottery figure of a lion posed on an oblong base, its raised paw resting upon a ball—a composition long favored by English earthenware potters and inspired by Florence’s celebrated Medici lions. This example, however, departs from overt ferocity: the shaggy beast appears almost bashful, lending it considerable charm.
The figure is richly decorated in strong enamels applied over a pearlware glaze, characteristic of Staffordshire production in the early 19th century. Staffordshire, circa 1820. Length: 11 inches. Price: $1200. Provenance: Formerly with John Howard. Illustrated in Staffordshire Figures 1780–1840, vol. 3, fig. 126.10. |
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A charming decorative deer stands alert before an impressive bocage, bringing a touch of the English countryside to the collector’s shelf. The bocage is particularly striking: its stiff, sharply modeled leaves—one distinctly curled—are characteristic of the desirable group of figures attributed to the so-called “Leather Leaf Group,” an as-yet unidentified Staffordshire pottery.
Richly decorated in enamels, the figure dates to circa 1830. An especially fine example of the model, it remains in excellent, unrestored condition. Height: 6¾ inches Price: $600 |
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The Widow of Zarephath is portrayed seated before a leafy bocage, her child at her side, illustrating the well-known biblical narrative from the Old Testament. This dramatic and emotive subject was a favorite among the Staffordshire potteries in the early 19th century.
This figure is distinguished from others of its type by its fine, unrestored condition and by the impressed mark of the potter John Walton, stamped within a banner on the reverse—an especially desirable feature for collectors. Decorated in bright enamels and made in Staffordshire, circa 1825. Height: 11¼ inches Price: $400 |
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Antony and Cleopatra, Shakespeare’s tragic lovers, are portrayed in this dramatic pair of figures in recumbent poses. Antony wears a chain mail tunic, while Cleopatra, in despair, has a serpent coiled around her arm and biting her breast.
Each figure rests on a grassy mound strewn with colorful flowers, the large four-petalled blossoms characteristic of an attribution to Enoch Wood or Wood & Caldwell. A particularly attractive and well-matched pair, the close correspondence in their color palettes strongly suggests that they have remained together as an original pairing. Enamel-painted pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1805. Length 12 inches. No restoration; minor enamel loss to Cleopatra. Price: $1,200 |
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An appealing small cottage, richly enameled in a palette characteristic of northeast England, with the foreground brightly embellished with vibrant yellow and deep red flowers. The reverse is unpainted. Probably made in the northeast rather than in Staffordshire, circa 1830. The potter fashioning this tiny treasure encountered an issue: the chimney atop was lost in the first firing. Undaunted, he simply dabbed paint on the tiny rough patch where the chimney once was. No restoration. Height 3-1/8 inches; length 4-1/4 inches. Price $150.
Illustrated in Schkolne, Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840, vol. 4, fig. 49.12. |
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A classically conceived pottery watch stand of exceptional quality, its architectural form surmounted by a finely modeled recumbent lion. The lion and the floral motifs are richly picked out in vibrant pink luster, creating a striking visual contrast against the delicately enameled body below. The enameling is executed with notable precision and refinement, attesting to a skilled workshop.
The piece was probably produced at the Sewell Pottery in Newcastle upon Tyne, circa 1825, a period associated with ambitious forms and confident use of luster decoration. Height: 9½ inches. Seller's condition report on request. Price: $2,000 |
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A handsome musician stands elegantly posed, playing his horn. This tall figure has an impressive presence and fine verticality, the stance confident and assured. Probably made by Enoch Wood/Wood & Caldwell. Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1810. Height 9-1/8 inches. Seller's condition report on request. Price: $295
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A rare and important trio of Staffordshire pottery figures depicting two monks (or priests) and the Virgin Mary, each standing on attractively matched bases. Enoch Wood produced these figures for the Continental Catholic market, reflecting the strong export trade that characterized his manufactory in the early 19th century. The smaller monk is especially intriguing: small apertures in his head and in the book he holds indicate that the figure originally accommodated a metal halo and crucifix, now lost. This feature underscores the devotional intent of the model and its appeal to Catholic buyers abroad.
Archaeological evidence supports the attribution. Two unpainted monk figures of identical form, both impressed “24,” were excavated from the Burslem Old Town Hall site, long associated with Wood’s manufactory, and date to circa 1825. Enameled pearlware, circa 1825. Heights (from left): 10 inches; 7-7/8 inches; 9-3/4 inches. Seller's condition report on request. $795 each for the taller monk and the Virgin Mary; $595 for the shorter monk. |
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A colorful small bocage figure portraying a street vendor who appears to have hawked both rabbits and eggs on England’s streets. In the early nineteenth century, rabbits were widely farmed and valued for both their flesh and their fur. Trade in rabbits diminished during the summer months because of perishability, but increased in the autumn, when the animals’ coats were at their thickest and most commercially desirable.
The base and bocage are consistent with an attribution to Enoch Wood. Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1825. Height 5¾ inches. Seller's condition report on request. $495. |
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This purr-fectly charming calico cat, decorated with both underglaze oxides and enamel colors, was made in Staffordshire, England, circa 1815. Measuring 2 7/8 inches in height, it dates to a period when cats were not yet widely regarded as household companions. Formerly with John Howard. Seller's condition report on request. $1095
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A highly decorative pair of bocage groups depicting rural musicians, each couple seated beneath an impressive hoop bocage lavishly adorned with applied flowers. These charming compositions are seldom encountered as a true pair, being far more often found as single figures—making this an exceptional acquisition opportunity.
Enameled pearlware, attributed to the “Patriotic Group” pottery, Staffordshire, circa 1825. Height: 8¾ inches (maximum). Seller's condition report on request. $1,800. |
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An exceptionally rare figure of profound American historical resonance portraying John Wilkes (1726–1797), the outspoken libertarian whose writings and political defiance electrified opinion on both sides of the Atlantic. Idolized in the American colonies, Wilkes became a symbol of constitutional liberty; colonial leaders corresponded with him, and his advocacy of popular rights helped galvanize revolutionary sentiment.
He stands holding a scroll boldly inscribed, “The Rights of the People,” an explicit declaration of the principles that made him a transatlantic hero. This is the only recorded example of the present model. A related figure from the same molds, set on a different base, resides in the Willett Collection at Brighton & Hove Museums (DA328529. Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1790. Height: 8½ inches. Seller's condition report on request. $6,500. |
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Two fine figures of putti slumbering upon tasseled cushions. These cherubic infants—derived from classical antiquity and revived during the Renaissance as decorative motifs in both sacred and secular art—are rendered here with appealing plumpness and gentle expression. Enameled earthenware, Staffordshire, circa 1825. Length 4½ inches (left) and 5¼ inches (right). Seller's condition report on request. $580 (left), $850 (right).
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What dog lover could resist this charming and rare figure group of a proud mother dog and her perky pup? Wonderfully expressive and full of character, it captures the affectionate bond between the two with irresistible appeal. Enameled earthenware, Staffordshire, circa 1820. Length 7 ⅛ inches. Seller's condition report on request. $1,700
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Three cradles on rockers with infants within from a collection lovingly assembled over many years. Cradles such as these are thought to have been given as marriage gifts or perhaps to celebrate the birth of a child. All are enamel-painted and were made in Staffordshire, circa 1810–1835, and range in length from 8¼ to 3⅝ inches. The largest cradle is a particularly great rarity, and its basketweave is razor crisp, but each cradle is beautiful in its own way, with the babies’ faces carefully painted and their blankets meticulously detailed. Available as an instant collection or individually. No restoration. Individual images available. From left: $1,800; $250; $195.
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Two rare medium-sized cradles with infants. The cradle on the right is a fine example of the work of the Bovey Tracey Pottery, Devon, circa 1790, with a creamware body decorated in colored slip. The cradle on the left, enamel-painted and made in Staffordshire circa 1811, bears the inscription LE ROI DE ROME, commemorating the birth of Napoleon’s son and heir in 1811, whom he titled the King of Rome. Each measures about 5 inches in length. No restoration. $800 (right); (left) SOLD
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An important and rare figure portraying Jean-Paul Marat, the radical journalist and incendiary voice of the French Revolution whose influence fueled the Reign of Terror of 1793. In July that year, Charlotte Corday, a desperate Royalist sympathizer, stabbed Marat to death in his bathtub, where he lay immersed for hours each day to soothe a skin disease contracted in the sewers of Paris. Decorated under the glaze in a rich Pratt palette. Staffordshire, circa 1795. Height 8.2 inches.
Another example of this figure is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (41.194.2) Formerly with Jonathan Horne. No restoration. $1,800 |
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Three very rare and beautiful Staffordshire figures allegorical of Autumn, Winter, and Spring, among the most attractive representations of the Seasons. Each serene lady is accompanied by a child and displays clear seasonal attributes: Autumn holds grapes; Winter wears a heavy coat with a deep fur collar; and the child beside Spring holds a bird’s nest.
All three figures share an unusual fan-shaped leaf support, a feature otherwise known only on figures of the pugilists Spring and Langan marked by the potter John Walton. Walton is recorded as having made figures of the Seasons from the same molds—typically with bocage and bearing his mark—making it highly likely that he also produced these elegant figures. These outstanding ladies are the finest models of the Seasons. Maximum height: 8⅞ inches. Seller's condition report on request. $4,800 |
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This gentleman with a smile on his face and clutching a large book under his arm is likely a Sunday School teacher with the Bible, which was the principal tool for teaching reading in the period. A rare figure. Enamel-painted pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1825. Height 7 inches. No restoration. $525
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A fine bust of Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington, one of Britain’s greatest military commanders, best remembered for defeating Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. Cool-headed and disciplined, he later served as Prime Minister and was appropriately dubbed "The Iron Duke." Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1815. Height 12 inches. No restoration. $1600
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A brightly colored Toby jug, decorated under the glaze in classic Pratt tones of blue, black, ochre, and green. The dotted eyebrows and stippled decoration to the base and interior of the hat are distinctive hallmarks of an as-yet unidentified pottery that operated in Mexborough, Yorkshire. Circa 1810, height 8 inches. Seller's condition report on request. $890
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An attractive figure of a man in Turkish costume, likely representing one of the many entertainers who toured shows across Britain. Highlights include the vibrant enamels, lustrous glaze, and pristine condition. Enamel-painted pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1820. Height 4-1/4 inches. No restoration. $350
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This important figure titled JAM CROW documents a pivotal and troubling chapter in American cultural history. It portrays the white American actor Thomas Dartmouth Rice, who developed a song-and-dance routine performed to the refrain “Jump Jim Crow.” Rice darkened his skin and adopted exaggerated movements that cruelly caricatured an enslaved Black man. The act proved enormously popular, and Jump Jim Crow is often cited as an early step in the development of American popular music, shaped—though distortingly—by African American culture. Rice debuted the character in London in 1836, where the performance became an international sensation, arguably among the first global “pop” phenomena. Enamel-painted earthenware, Staffordshire, circa 1836. Height 6 inches. Seller's condition report on request. $1650
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This glorious figure depicts Ophelia, the tragic heroine of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Driven mad by Hamlet’s cruelty, she climbs a willow overhanging a brook; as she hangs garlands of flowers in it, a branch snaps, and Ophelai drowns. In this figure, a willow branch drapes Ophelia, and scattered flowers are at her feet. Enamel-painted pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1810. Height 13 ½ inches. Professionally reattached to the base; otherwise excellent. $975
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A lady and a gentleman gardener taking time out from their tasks. She leans against her watering can and he against his spade. This is a unique pair in that the bocages on them are not otherwise recorded. Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1825. Height about 6 inches. Restoration to a chip on the base (her) and spade handle (him). $395.
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The Widow of Zarephath, posed gracefully beside her barrel of oil, a serene and lovely biblical figure of timeless appeal. This early model portrays a subject that remained popular for decades, yet it possesses a quiet beauty and sensitivity lacking in later interpretations. Enameled pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1800. Height 9 inches. Touch-up to enamels on one sleeve. $75.
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This pair of girls holding baskets was made by the potter Obadiah Sherratt. Popular in their day—Sherratt even used three different models for the heads of this model—these charming figures are now uncommon as pairs. Enamel-painted pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1820. Height 4-3/8 inches. Professional restoration to some bocage tips. $320
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A castle with open turrets intended as spill holders—spills were used before matches to transfer flame from the fireplace. The castle's narrow form allowed easy placement on a mantel, and its turrets are an eye-catching yellow, a favorite color for collectors today. Enamel-painted pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1830. Length 8 -1/4 inches. Seller's condition report on request. $750
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A charming and colorful figure of Pomona, goddess of fruit trees and orchards, holding an apple amid a bounty of fruit. Attributed to Obadiah Sherratt, with the detailed garment pattern and the signature bocage confirming his hand. Enamel-painted pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1825. Height 7½ inches. No restoration. $550
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A very fine early Staffordshire “Collier” Toby jug, decorated in rich, running colored glazes characteristic of the 1790s. This model is known as “The Collier” for the deliberately darkened hands and face, meant to evoke coal dust and the working life of the miner. Typical of Collier Tobies, the base is concave and encircled with raised floral banding; a small barrel rests between his feet, and his pipe lies at his side. Formerly in the stock of John Howard, Woodstock. Minor repair to the hat rim. Height 10 inches. $1,250
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A rare and striking group, perhaps depicting Prince Leopold and Princess Charlotte, second in line to the British throne. Married in 1816, Charlotte died tragically the following year. The male figure mirrors Leopold as shown in contemporary wedding engravings in La Belle Assemblée, while the female’s dress reflects Charlotte’s favored style. Expertly decorated and modeled with decoration very suggestive of Obadiah Sherratt. Formed in a transitional late 1830s–early 1840s style, anticipating the flat-back Victorian figures that followed. Enamel-painted earthenware, Staffordshire, circa 1840. Height 10-1/4 inches. Seller's condition report on request. $2,000
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An enamel-painted pearlware leopard, Staffordshire, circa 1825, attributed to Obadiah Sherratt. The base and bocage support the attribution. Possibly modeled on a leopard from Wombwell’s menagerie, this figure is an uncommon example of Sherratt’s work. Height 7-3/8 inches. Seller's condition report on request. $3,500
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Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, grain, and fertility, embodies the abundance of the earth. She is depicted here with a cornucopia of wheat and a wheat crown. A strking, statuesque figure attributed to the Brown Base pottery. Enamel-painted pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1795. Height 8-1/2 inches. Small base chips, no repairs or restorations. $590.
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A cow and her sweet calf posed before a bocage. This fine figure group was made by the “Leather Leaf” pottery, active in the 1820s. Notable features include the striking flowers, detailed bocage leaves, prominent curled leaf, and carefully decorated base, all characteristic of the pottery’s high-quality work. Enamel-painted pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1825. Height 4-1/4 inches. Professional restoration to horns and perhaps one ear tip. $590.
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A charmingly naïve figure of a shepherdess, crook in hand with a lamb at her side. Pearlware decorated under the glaze. Staffordshire, circa 1810. Height 8 inches. A closely related example is in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (C.846-1928), gifted by Dr. Glaisher in 1929. Seller's condition report on request. $2,000
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Cupid, with the title A CONSCRIPT painted on the base. A very rare figure, perhaps unique, alluding to the common practice of impressment (forced conscription) into the British Royal Navy. Cupid, traditionally portrayed as a mischievous figure frequently punished for his misdeeds, is shown carrying a tricorn naval hat, suggesting that conscription has been meted out to him. Enamel-painted, Staffordshire, circa 1810. Height 5-1/2 inches. Seller's condition report on request. $1350
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A sweet spaniel modeled as a “dancing dog,” a popular form of entertainment in the early nineteenth century. Trained troupes of spaniels and poodles performed for fashionable audiences at venues such as Sadler’s Wells, while itinerant entertainers presented similar acts at fairs and on street corners. This figure reflects the widespread appeal of such performances across social classes. Enamel-painted pearlware, Staffordshire, circa 1830. Height 3 inches. Seller's condition report on request. $750
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