Myrna Schkolne: Early Staffordshire Figures

To harp on the point in an earlier posting, it really is possible to find good looking figures with minimal restoration. Yes, I have plenty of restored figures in my collection. But I carefully weigh the nature of the restoration and the rarity of the figure before going that route! Just look at the difference. Below is an absolutely charming putto from Andrew Dando.

From the stock of Andrew Dando, H: 4-1/8". No restoration.

The figure is described as having "a few small chips. No restoration." Again, those words "No Restoration" give me goosebumps...justifiably so. If Andrew Dando says No Restoration, you can bank on it.

Now I guess Andrew could have spent a few pounds touching up the chips on this adorable figure. But why would he have wanted to do that? Possibly it would have delighted some shallow customer. But little chips are part of the charm, part of all this figure has endured in 200 years. Start gumming it up by touching here and there and pretty soon it might have looked like the beast below.

For sale at an unnamed web site, this cherub appears to have a totally restored bocage.

The cherub above is available from a cyberspace store. It appears to have a totally restored bocage. Who knows what else is right or wrong with it. The description reads:
The  Cherub has a wreath of flowers on his head. He is holding a yellow basket of flowers. He is wearing a sash outlined in blue with dark red and white stripes.  There is bocage behind the figure.  The figure is 4" High.  England,1820-1830
Actually, the description simply tells me what I can already see by looking at the figure! You can't fault it. Indeed, the basket is yellow, the sash has stripes, and there is a bocage behing the figure. But there is no mention of condition. Perhaps an enquiry is needed--but I prefer to be told up front.

Because a cherub is a fairly common figure, restored or significantly damaged ones abound and can be bought quite inexpensively. And you can buy another, and another...in the end, you will be looking at a shelf of restoration. Instead, save the pennies till a perfect one comes along.  It's perfection makes it uncommon and you will enjoy it forever.

Remember, the rarer the figure, the more restoration you should tolerate. Realistically, if you want to own a Sherratt bullbaiting, expect restoration--despite the steep price. But even quite uncommon figures do occur with no restoration, so never give up hope!

Afterthought: I have only one cherub in my collection, and it is rather like Andrew's. No restoration. Just a hairline, a flake of enamel, and two teensy chips. Bought it years ago...after the dealer had just dropped it. Thought I better grab it before more damage was done. To my mind it is Perfect.