English Figurine Identification Assistance

Hello

This Christmas, my mother provided me with a number of my English grandmother's China pieces and other ceramics. She requested that I attempt to determine the history/nature of one piece in particular. I would greatly appreciate any information that anyone might be able to provide about a particular English figurine including, but not limited to, the manufacturer or artist, approximate date of production, make/model/set (for lack of a better term), approximate value, etc. If anyone is able to shed some light on this piece, it would really mean something to my mother as my grandmother passed a number of years ago. She was originally from Southampton, England and left just after WWII. I unfortunately don't know the timeframe in which she acquired the piece. It appears as if the letters painted on the bottom of the piece are "K.W." although I may be mistaken.

Thanks again in advance.

Mike

 

Welcome to the Forum, Fenwayfan!
Someone will be along who knows about your mug.

 

I believe it says, or is supposed to say, Genuine Staffordshire Hand Painted Shorter & Son Ltd. England.

 

What she said:

 

They seem to have made many versions of Toby mugs.

 

Wow. That was quick. Thank you so much!

 

Is yours a miniature like this one on Ruby Lane?

 

Awesome. Thank you!!

 

Yes. It's definitely miniature! I probably should have mentioned that in my original post. Ha.

 

Thanks again everyone for your assistance! I have one last question. My mother is claiming that she saw a similar piece on "antique roadshow" where the "K.W." signature indicated to the appraiser that it had a significant value. Is there any validity to this claim? Also, if that information is unknown to those on this board, is there a way or another site where I might acquire further? Thanks again. I have a feeling it was just the quick initials of the person who painted it, but I could be wrong.

 

Both could be true, either because painter is considered especially desirable, or as an indicator of time period of making.

 

Since the paint is nothing special, I can't imagine the initials would be significant.
But WDIK.

 

Shorter stuff is generally of lesser value, I'm afraid. And decorators' initials will only add value if it's top end ceramic: Doulton Lambeth or Worcester, say. Toby jugs generally have dropped a great deal in value.

The one interesting thing about Shorter is that it's the family Clarice Cliff married in to.