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ID #SA1235624
FOR SALE
£895
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19th Century Pair of Mansion House Porcelain Dwarves by Samson of Paris.
For sale by Robert Belcher Antiques
for sale €1,047     $1,137
£895
Robert Belcher Antiques

Robert Belcher Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jul 2017
Browse dealers 407 items
  • About Us
    Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.
Id #SA1235624
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19th Century Pair of Mansion House Porcelain Dwarves by Samson of Paris.

19th century
Description

This superb, large and highly decorative pair of 19th century Mansion House dwarves is in the style of early Derby examples reproduced by the famous French Paris factory Samson, who was known for faking and imitating well-known high end factories and wears now well sought after in their own right by collectors.

These very fine figures are in excellent original condition with no restoration, each beautifully modelled, hand painted in rich bright colours, and highlighted with fine hand gilt detailing.

A most pleasing and eye catching pair of French 19th century porcelain figures which are approximately 130 years old.

Circa 1890

Each figure bears a fake red Derby factory mark on its underside.

Height 17cm x width 9cm x depth 10cm

Date of Manufacture

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated these Samson Porcelain Dwarf Figures to the 1890s.

Independent Date Check ID 09649368
Dealer's Item Date1890s
Sellingantiques Date1890s
Sellingantiques agingItem 120-150 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 1890s:
Pseudo Derby mark painted in red enamel: factory practice of Samson of Paris.
Hard-paste porcelain body: French manufacture rather than eighteenth-century English soft paste.
Hand-applied gilding on the hats and waistcoats: fine brushwork of the late Victorian era.
Unglazed foot rims: ingrained shelf soiling accumulated over many years.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Physical Dimensions
Height
17cm (6.69")
Width
9cm (3.54")
Depth
10cm (3.94")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1235624
Dealers Notes

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

Instagram: robertbelcherantiques

Description
This superb, large and highly decorative pair of 19th century Mansion House dwarves is in the style of early Derby examples reproduced by the famous French Paris factory Samson, who was known for faking and imitating well-known high end factories and wears now well sought after in their own right by collectors.
“
These very fine figures are in excellent original condition with no restoration, each beautifully modelled, hand painted in rich bright colours, and highlighted with fine hand gilt detailing.
Robert Belcher Antiques
fig 1. A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases.
fig 1. 19th Century Pair of Mansion House Porcelain Dwarves by Samson of Paris.

A most pleasing and eye catching pair of French 19th century porcelain figures which are approximately 130 years old.

Circa 1890

Each figure bears a fake red Derby factory mark on its underside.

Height 17cm x width 9cm x depth 10cm

Date of Manufacture

Robert Belcher Antiques has dated these Samson Porcelain Dwarf Figures to the 1890s.

Independent Date Report ID 09649368
Dealer's Item Date1890s
Sellingantiques dating1890s
Sellingantiques agingItem 120-150 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating check
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the 1890s:
Pseudo Derby mark painted in red enamel: factory practice of Samson of Paris.
Hard-paste porcelain body: French manufacture rather than eighteenth-century English soft paste.
Hand-applied gilding on the hats and waistcoats: fine brushwork of the late Victorian era.
Unglazed foot rims: ingrained shelf soiling accumulated over many years.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Height
17cm (6.69")
Width
9cm (3.54")
Depth
10cm (3.94")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1235624
Robert Belcher Antiques
Robert Belcher Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jul 2017

Robert belcher antiques was established in 1984 and is a high quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative items.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Robert Belcher Antiques Profile Page

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A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases.
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Film
Film of 19th Century Pair of Mansion House Porcelain Dwarves by Samson of Paris.
Archive I A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases.

19th Century Pair of Mansion House Porcelain Dwarves by Samson of Paris.

Film
Archive II A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View II
Archive III A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View III
Archive IV A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View IV
Archive V A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View V
Archive VI A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View VI
Archive VII A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View VII
Archive VIII A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View VIII
Archive IX A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View IX
Archive X A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View X
Archive XI A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View XI
Archive XII A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View XII
Archive XIII A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View XIII
Archive XIV A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View XIV
Archive XV A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Location
Worcestershire
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Verified Since Jul 2017
Items For Sale 407
Items Sold 682
Robert Belcher Antiques
Robert Belcher Antiques
Verified Since Jul 2017
View Dealer Info
Location: Worcestershire, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Verified
Jul 2017
For Sale
407
Sold
682
A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases.
19th century pair of Mansion House porcelain dwarves by Samson of Paris.
Ref: SA1235624
A pair of 19th-century polychrome Samson porcelain figures depicting dwarves wearing oversized brimmed hats and patterned waistcoats on mound bases.
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Archival Detail
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.
Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectFigurines
  • Period19th century
  • Style19th Century Rococo Revival
  • MaterialPorcelain, Enamel, Gold Leaf
  • ColourMulticoloured
  • MotifsOversized brimmed hats, patterned waistcoats, walking stick, circular mound bases
  • SizeH 17 cm (7 in) x W 9 cm (4 in) x D 10 cm (4 in)

This pair of nineteenth century Mansion House porcelain figures by Samson of Paris depicts dwarves in the Rococo Revival style, standing on circular mound bases. Each figure is hand painted in rich bright polychrome enamel colours including red, yellow, blue, and pink, with hand gilt detailing highlighting their oversized brimmed hats, patterned waistcoats, and black shoes. One figure holds a brown walking stick while the other holds a purple sash. Measuring 17 cm high, 9 cm wide, and 10 cm deep, these figures display detailed facial expressions with moustaches and rosy cheeks. Placed on a mantelpiece, this pair adds a maximalist decorative touch to a living room, study, or hallway display. The porcelain glaze reflects ambient light, highlighting the intricate geometric patterns on the waistcoats and the distinct shapes of the hollow-crowned hats. The figures stand securely on their green and brown painted ground bases, bringing character and colour to a traditional interior scheme.

Mansion House dwarfs originated from 17th-century dwarf etchings by Jacques Callot, which were later adapted into three-dimensional porcelain figures by factories such as Derby in the 18th century and Samson of Paris in the 19th century. These figures historically represented real-life performers who stood outside the Mansion House in London displaying advertisements on their exaggerated hats.

Samson of Paris utilized hard-paste porcelain, hand-moulding techniques, and overglaze enamel decoration with gilded accents. The pieces were fired at high temperatures before skilled artists painted intricate patterns and features by hand.

Authentic Samson porcelain pieces generally feature hard-paste porcelain construction, detailed overglaze enamel painting, and specific maker marks, such as an interlocking S or pseudo-factory marks imitating earlier Meissen, Chelsea, or Derby trademarks.

Porcelain figurines can be displayed in glass cabinet vitrines, arranged in symmetrical pairs on a fireplace mantelpiece, or integrated into modern shelving arrangements as historical accent pieces.

Clean antique porcelain figures using a soft, dry brush or a lint-free microfibre cloth to remove dust. Avoid using abrasive chemical cleaners, submerging figures with felt pads or porous bases in water, or placing them in direct sunlight where temperature fluctuations could cause stress cracks.
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