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ID #SA1177322
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Derby Porcelain Figure Representing James Quin as Falstaff, C.1775–1780
Gillers Antiques Ltd
for sale €468     $508
£400
Gillers Antiques Ltd

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques Verified Since Mar 2023
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Derby Porcelain Figure Representing James Quin as Falstaff, C.1775–1780

18th century
Description

An 18th-century English soft-paste porcelain figure by the Derby Porcelain Manufactory, painted in bright enamels and gilded. This highly recognisable Derby subject portrays James Quin (1693–1766) in his role as Sir John Falstaff, Shakespeare’s most comic knight. The design follows an engraving by James McArdell after Francis Hayman (c.1760), now in the British Museum (inv. 1902,1011.3373).

Falstaff is shown holding a sword and circular shield, standing on a scroll-moulded base with small applied flowers. The paper “bill” in his belt symbolises the character’s debts and mischief at the Boar’s Head Inn.

Marked beneath with impressed 291 and painter’s No 5.

Documented in Peter Bradshaw, Derby Porcelain Figures 1750–1848 (London, 1990, pp.314–316, 339). The model was produced in six sizes and remains one of Derby’s most beloved theatrical subjects. Similar examples are preserved in the British Museum and V&A Museum, London.

Measurements

• Height: 21.5 cm / 8.46?

• Width: 12.5 cm / 4.92?

• Depth: 9.5 cm / 3.74?

• Weight: 570 g

Condition

Gilding partially lost on the shield; hairline visible along the sword; small chip to the feather on the hat. Otherwise excellent antique condition, inspected under UV — no restorations detected.

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.

Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling, and secure postage.

Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.

Questions are welcome.

Physical Dimensions
Height
21.5cm (8.46")
Width
12.5cm (4.92")
Depth
9.5cm (3.74")
Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Derby Porcelain Falstaff Figure to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1177322
Dealers Internal Reference
B1498
Description
An 18th-century English soft-paste porcelain figure by the Derby Porcelain Manufactory, painted in bright enamels and gilded.
This highly recognisable Derby subject portrays James Quin (1693–1766) in his role as Sir John Falstaff, Shakespeare’s most comic knight.
Gillers Antiques Ltd

The design follows an engraving by James McArdell after Francis Hayman (c.1760), now in the British Museum (inv. 1902,1011.3373).

fig 1. An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield.
fig 1. Derby Porcelain Figure Representing James Quin as Falstaff, C.1775–1780

Falstaff is shown holding a sword and circular shield, standing on a scroll-moulded base with small applied flowers. The paper “bill” in his belt symbolises the character’s debts and mischief at the Boar’s Head Inn.

fig 2. An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield.
fig 2. Derby Porcelain Figure Representing James Quin as Falstaff, C.1775–1780

Marked beneath with impressed 291 and painter’s No 5.

Documented in Peter Bradshaw, Derby Porcelain Figures 1750–1848 (London, 1990, pp.314–316, 339). The model was produced in six sizes and remains one of Derby’s most beloved theatrical subjects. Similar examples are preserved in the British Museum and V&A Museum, London.

fig 3. An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield.
fig 3. Derby Porcelain Figure Representing James Quin as Falstaff, C.1775–1780

Measurements

• Height: 21.5 cm / 8.46?

• Width: 12.5 cm / 4.92?

• Depth: 9.5 cm / 3.74?

• Weight: 570 g

Condition

Gilding partially lost on the shield; hairline visible along the sword; small chip to the feather on the hat. Otherwise excellent antique condition, inspected under UV — no restorations detected.

fig 4. An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield.
fig 4. Derby Porcelain Figure Representing James Quin as Falstaff, C.1775–1780

Shipping & Packaging

Fully tracked and insured delivery.

Shipping cost includes professional packaging, careful handling, and secure postage.

Carefully packed using recycled materials where possible.

Please study all photographs as they form part of the description.

Questions are welcome.

Height
21.5cm (8.46")
Width
12.5cm (4.92")
Depth
9.5cm (3.74")
Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this Derby Porcelain Falstaff Figure to the Georgian era.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1177322
Dealers Internal Ref
B1498
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Gillers Antiques Ltd Profile Page

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An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield.
1 / 13
Archive I An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield.

Derby Porcelain Figure Representing James Quin as Falstaff, C.1775–1780

Archive II An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield. View II
Archive III An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield. View III
Archive IV An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield. View IV
Archive V An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield. View V
Archive VI An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield. View VI
Archive VII An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield. View VII
Archive VIII An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield. View VIII
Archive IX An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield. View IX
Archive X An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield. View X
Archive XI An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield. View XI
Archive XII An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield. View XII
Archive XIII An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View
Telephone 07738 009924
Location
Buckland House
Buntingford
Hertfordshire
SG9 0PY
United Kingdom
Verified Since Mar 2023
Items For Sale 401
Items Sold 564
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Gillers Antiques Ltd
Verified Since Mar 2023
View Dealer Info
Location: Buckland House, Buntingford, Hertfordshire, SG9 0PY, United Kingdom
Verified
Mar 2023
For Sale
401
Sold
564
An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield.
Derby Porcelain Figure Representing James Quin as Falstaff, c.1775–1780
Ref: SA1177322
An 18th-century Derby porcelain figurine depicting actor James Quin as Falstaff wearing a striped vest, green cape, and holding a sword and gilt shield.
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Every single antique dealer on our platform is individually approved by our internal team. We verify their professional trade history, ethical standards, and photographic quality to ensure a secure, high-standard buying environment. Upon joining, every dealer agrees to a strict 9-point code of conduct. While issues can occasionally arise, our dealers typically resolve them swiftly and directly with the buyer. In fact, since our founding in 2002, Sellingantiques has only had to step in to help resolve an issue on roughly five occasions—a true testament to the quality of our dealers and their dedication to your happiness.
Our dealers are highly experienced in packing and shipping fragile, high-value antiques. Because you are in direct contact with the dealer, you will be able to easily go through all available shipping and insurance options together to ensure your item arrives safely.
Antiques are the ultimate green purchase. By choosing historical pieces over newly manufactured goods, you completely eliminate the carbon footprint of modern mass production while preserving exceptional, timeless craftsmanship.

During the 18th century, the Derby porcelain manufactory produced porcelain statuettes capturing contemporary cultural figures, including popular theatrical actors of the London stage. These figures reflected the eras fascination with drama, literature, and portraiture.

Early Derby items were made using soft-paste porcelain, composed of clay mixed with frit or glass additives prior to the adoption of bone ash. The figures were press-moulded in sections, assembled, fired, and subsequently hand-painted with overglaze enamels and gold leaf.

Authentic pieces frequently display patch marks on the underside of the base where the figure rested on clay pads during kilning. Soft-paste Derby porcelain typically exhibits a warm translucent body, slight glaze pooling, and occasionally incised model numbers.

These decorative sculptures function effectively on curated bookshelves, mantelpieces, or inside glazed display cabinets alongside antique literature. Pairing colourful porcelain figures with neutral backdrops highlights their hand-painted detail and sculptural form.

Dust figures gently using a dry, soft-bristled brush or microfibre cloth to avoid snagging delicate raised elements. Avoid immersion in water or chemical detergents, as moisture can damage underlying soft-paste bodies or historical repairs.
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