Staffordshire Figure Value Guide

This mid-Victorian Staffordshire figure captures a charming domestic scene of a woman standing over a baby in a cradle, reflecting the era's focus on family life. Produced in the United Kingdom between 1840 and 1880, these earthenware pieces served as affordable art for the rising middle class.

What affects the value of Staffordshire Figure?

• Condition of the delicate cradle and figures, as chips or professional restoration significantly impact the $250-$350 price range.
• The vibrancy of the original paint colors, particularly the reds and greens which are prone to flaking over time.
• Clarity of the mold details, as earlier pressings from a specific mold retain sharper features than later, more blurred versions.
• Provenance and rarity of the specific domestic scene compared to more common military or royal portrait figures.

How to Identify Staffordshire Figure?

• Check for the characteristic flat-back design, which was common for figures intended to be displayed on narrow fireplace mantels.
• Look for a small 'vent hole' in the back or base, used to prevent the earthenware from exploding in the kiln during firing.
• Examine the glaze for a slight blue or green tint in the crevices, typical of lead glazes used in Staffordshire potteries during the 19th century.
• Identify hand-painted details over the glaze, which often show slight wear or 'crazing' consistent with pieces from the 1840-1880 period.

History of Staffordshire Figure

Staffordshire figures are earthenware figurines produced in Staffordshire, England, from the 18th century onward. Initially, these figures depicted religious and mythological subjects, but they later evolved to include portraits of public figures, royalty, and everyday life scenes. They became incredibly popular as decorative items in homes, offering an affordable way for the middle class to display art and status. The production of these figures often involved a range of small, independent potteries, leading to variations in style, quality, and subject matter.