Owen's Antiques

Antique Staffordshire Figure Group: "The Murder of Thomas Smith", 19th C, Rare & Desirable

$695

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Specialist Dealer in Early 19th Century English China
Specializing in Georgian Period Tablewares: Spode, Wedgwood, Coalport, Mason's, Worcester, Derby, Minton, Davenport, etc.

Gold

since 2003
The full title of this Portrait double figure is: "The Murder of Thomas Smith by William Collier". This well colored figure group was made by Sampson Smith about 1866. It is listed in Pugh's "Staffordshire Portrait Figures" as "rare and desirable". It's shown there on page G485, plate 27. It can also be seen on the website of the Stoke-on-Trent- Potteries Museum.

This large (13") figure group depicts the murder. The man on the right is the poacher, William Collier. The man on the left is the landowner, Thomas Smith. The scene takes place underneath an arch of trees. Each man has a hand raised to the other's neck. Two dead game birds are at their feet and a dog is attacking Collier's right leg. Collier was arrested, found guilty of the murder, and hanged.

This well-colored* double figure is in excellent condition, with the only flaw being an in-the-making firing crack which can be seen on the back. There's no evidence of any repairs. It weighs almost 4 pounds. (* There were less desirable white-only versions made.)

I guarantee the authenticity of all items I sell, and disclose any damage or restoration. Your satisfaction is guaranteed, or your money back! PayPal accepted. Visa/MasterCard/American Express/Discover accepted.
Item id: 20104
Type: Hand Painted, Pottery, Staffordshire
Color: Polychrome
Style: Victorian
Origin: England • English
Purpose: Figurines
Item type: Antique