Antique Staffordshire Flatback Figurine of a Couple with a Watch Face

Make:  Unknown (possibly Staffordshire, UK, other counties or Scotland)

Age:  Mid-Late 19th Century

Construction:  Earthenware

Dimensions:  7 3/4" Tall x 6 3/4" Wide x 1 3/4" Deep

Condition:  Very good pre-owned antique condition. Clock face and some outer edges show signs of wear. Crazing and loss of gold paint consistent with age and use. Please see photos. 

Details:  Bright white earthenware figurine of a couple with a clock face between them.  She wears a tiered skirt with rust, green and cerise edges under a cobalt blue jacket, a white soft cap with drooping green feather complete here ensemble. He is outfitted in a white, green and red "kilt" with a cobalt blue jacket, white soft cap with a red tassel or feather.  The central clock face has faded gold-painted numbers and hands, signifying 9:25.  Green painted embossed curves and deep pink flowers surround the clock face, which rests on a yellow basket of red apples.  Back of figurine is glazed, textured and unpainted.

Staffordshire figurines were a popular style of pottery decoration made in England from the 19th century onward.  While they are known as Staffordshire figures, and were made largely in Staffordshire, they were also made in other counties and in Scotland. As they were made by small pottery works, most do not have makers marks.  Many Victorian figures were made to be displayed on a mantle or shelf and were modeled and painted only on the front and sides that would typically be seen. These figures are called "flatbacks" or "chimney pieces".  They were shaped either by press molding or slip casting.