Featured staffordshire pew group

I dont know much about these. These are apparently very rare and some of the modern reproductions have gone for thousands of dollars. Im curious why the bottom of that one on the right has curved grooves running around it. Did that occur after the firing? From a recent auction.

 

I don't have a clue..........

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/...0163/lot-71a067ce-d79b-4e60-b472-b0d500c1b196

 

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Probably produced in the 1930-50 period.

Shorter produced Toby jugs, character jugs and figurines
throughout most of their existence.


This example imitates 18th/19th C Staffordshire figurines (hence the “Old Staffordshire”), often produced with a flat back to stand on the mantelpiece or hung on the wall.

 

thats actually quite amazing that you found this example. I didnt see any antique ones

 

just trying to help.....

 

These are interesting. They are - problematically - NOT glazed in the typical pearl/slipware way that defines Staffordshire figures, although the molds are definitely Victorian flat back Staffordshire (per @komokwa ‘s example above). Their label says they’re bookends… are they definitely hollow pottery?

As examples go, the original pew figures are rare, and valuable for their scarcity… but unlike some figures that do well no matter how new they are, I don’t believe they’re extremely collectible (unlike those with, say, specific political themes). But I stand to be corrected by an auction!

The original pew groups can be viewed here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pew_group

 

Are they cold painted? I was under the impression Staffordshire was glazed and fired. Yours seem like the painting is wearing off.

 

Staffordshire are fired, but can be painted over the top in places… but your point that they are flakey all over is a good one, that’s also extremely unlikely in a staff figure…

 

Are you sure they aren't chalkware?

 

Hello Van I dont know if they are hollow or not. I dropped out of the auction at some point. They eventually sold for $531 or so.

Is it possible they were painted later? As the wikipedia article seems to say many were unpainted or painted just the eyes etc Are these even glazed I cant tell.