I have bought some very fine small figures from John Howard over the years, but John's figures tend to be large rather than small. I suspect he has trouble finding small figures that meet his exacting standards. But added to his site this week is the small figure below, and it oozes refined charm.
Courtesy John Howard
I have recorded just one other example of this very figure and it was painted almost identically. The color palette is suggestive of a circa 1790 date, but there is no basis for attributing the figure to any pot bank. I suspect a mate was made, but I have yet to find her. The only other similarly syled figure in my archive is the boy with goose below.
Courtesy Elinor Penna
This figure is quite a bit taller (7 inches as opposed to 5 inches) and it is not as refined. Again, I have no idea as to who made it and I have yet to find a mate.
The Scuffle/Contest group also recently added to John's site is interesting in that it is unmarked. From the look of the group, you might have expected a WALTON mark on the reverse.
The Scuffle/Contest group also recently added to John's site is interesting in that it is unmarked. From the look of the group, you might have expected a WALTON mark on the reverse.
Courtesy John Howard
The example alongside is marked WALTON. Note that both groups have figures and bases of the same form.
Did Walton make both this group and John's group? To answer that would require a wild guess. Truly, there is no way of knowing, but I suspect that Walton did not make John's group. Firstly, I have now seen two of these unmarked Walton-type Scuffle/Contest groups, and neither one shouted Walton at me. The enamels are just a tad different. Also, the WALTON mark is actually integral to the base, so I would expect to see it on all versions that emanated from the Walton pot bank.
Bottom line is that the mark is a whole lot less important than the quality and condition of the figure group because Scuffle/Contest groups are notoriously difficult to procure in good condition.
Also fresh in cyberspace this week is this figure of St. Peter, newly added to Aurea Carter's stock.
Did Walton make both this group and John's group? To answer that would require a wild guess. Truly, there is no way of knowing, but I suspect that Walton did not make John's group. Firstly, I have now seen two of these unmarked Walton-type Scuffle/Contest groups, and neither one shouted Walton at me. The enamels are just a tad different. Also, the WALTON mark is actually integral to the base, so I would expect to see it on all versions that emanated from the Walton pot bank.
Bottom line is that the mark is a whole lot less important than the quality and condition of the figure group because Scuffle/Contest groups are notoriously difficult to procure in good condition.
Also fresh in cyberspace this week is this figure of St. Peter, newly added to Aurea Carter's stock.
This is a Ralph Wood figure, circa 1790. Aurea notes that she has another in stock impressed 119. I haven't seen a Ralph Wood St. Peter being offered for sale for a good while, so if this is your thing, this may be the moment. I especially like the rather girly clothing St. Peter is wearing here. More commonly, the coat is a solid color.
After the long cold-winter and a dearth of figures, the frogs in my garden are heralding spring and new figures are coming onto the market. So rattle your piggy banks and take your pick, while the selection lasts!
After the long cold-winter and a dearth of figures, the frogs in my garden are heralding spring and new figures are coming onto the market. So rattle your piggy banks and take your pick, while the selection lasts!
