Antique Staffordshire figures are in demand

We all have our favourite things. Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens have never been onmy list, but custard on fruit pie and warm summer evenings certainly have.
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If I had to make a list of my favourite things it would be endless and up there near the top would be the early Staffordshire figure.

What an absolute joy those figures are.

The production of Staffordshire figures began during the reign of George lll in about 1780.

Staffordshire figuresStaffordshire figures
Staffordshire figures
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The early figures are much better quality than their Victorian cousins and so always command a much higher price.

By the early Victorian period, the figures were so popular that corners had to be cut and production techniques altered to increase output.

Demand remained high until the end of the 19th century.

To produce a model a skilled designer sculpted an original. From this a mould was made and this would produce about 200 models.

The older the mould the more worn the details on the model became and this affects the price paid by collectors today. Quality from one factory to another can differ greatly.

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The flatback figure, with no detailing or painting on the back, was the result of even further cutbacks.

Staffordshire figures provide a social history of the period. They cover every type of person from the notorious rogue to the Royal family, celebrities, fictional characters, military heroes, sportsmen, and politicians.

One of the most popular models were dogs and in particular the seated King Charles spaniel.

No Victorian parlour was complete without a pair of these comforter dogs by the fire. They are mainly white with painted features and of varying sizes.

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