DETAILS
An antique Staffordshire flatback model of highwayman Richard (Dick) Turpin (1706-1739) mounted on his black mare, Black Bess. Turpin wears a dark blue coat, tricorn hat and tall black boots. Dirk Turpin (1705-39) was a legendary English robber.
Staffordshire figures were made from around 1740 to 1900 by various pottery factories in England and Scotland. Most have no maker’s marks. Victorian flatback examples were undecorated on one side because they were designed to sit on a shelf or fireplace mantel and only viewed from the front or sides. Popular subjects included romantic figures, buildings, farm animals, and domestic pets, in particular Queen Victoria’s favored pet, the King Charles Spaniel.
STYLE
Victorian
COLOR(S)
Polychrome
PLACE OF ORIGIN
Staffordshire, England | United Kingdom
PATTERN/MODEL
Dirk Turpin
MARKS
No maker's mark. Labeled (front): Dick Turpin.
PERIOD
Queen Victoria (1837-1901) | Mid 19th century
DATE
Circa 1850
DIMENSIONS
Width 7 Depth 2.25 Height 9.5 inches
CONDITION
Note: crazing. Shrinkage cracks (base).