Myrna Schkolne: Early Staffordshire Figures

As I did my run through of eBay today, I was perturbed by several suspicious figures, all appearing quite perfect. Remember an apparently perfect figure may be a well restored figure. A perfect bocage can be quite modern! Always check out the most perfect figure against what the form should look like. Restorers are very clever with their hands, but not always so clever with their minds. It is easy to make a figure look good again, but is the restoration correct?  Does Venus hold grapes or a dove? Does Diana wear an odd little crown or a floral garland on her head? Often sellers are well intentioned but just don't know they are looking at modern restoration. I have a large photo archive and am always happy to share, so if in doubt please  just ask!