Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840

Have just posted two items on Believe It? Both are described as early 19th century, which they are not, in my opinion. Several bloggers have emailed me--either to ask if the figures were right or to tell me they were not. I had already emailed the seller and was hoping for a positive outcome. Instead, no response. Anyway, there they are. The sheep leave me struck dumb. The dandies are a well known 20th century model. You can tell they are not early by the coloring (in particular the green on the base), the very poor modeling (look at those pinched pathetic faces), and the fact that the bocage is  modeled as one structure--not built up from lots of separately made leaves.

Another figure on eBay, item 150366752998, has me concerned and I have not written the seller. The little sheep is currently at $360!

The piece was slip cast, not press molded. See the smooth interior contours, formed as the liquid slip settled. No fingers pressed clay into a mold here. Also, for a figure this size, the sheep might have been modeled independently of the base. This is not a MUST, but note this figure comprises just two mold parts--even the horns are integral to the mold. The little tufts of extruded clay on the base don't look like any I have seen before. And the sheep's face is so poorly painted.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but it does not replace a touch. Wish I could examine this to be more than 99% sure. And I wish I had written to the seller. Not enough time in a day to follow up on the dubious items on eBay.  If you are in doubt, ask me. If you are certain tell the seller. And by all means report the item to eBay. Click REPORT ITEM, and then use the drop down menu to pick FRAUDULENT LISTING. If enough of us shout, we will be heard!