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ID #SA902672
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£365
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Pair of Antique English Victorian Staffordshire Pottery Theatrical Figures "Ben Backstay & Companion"
For sale by Applecross Antiques
for sale €427     $464
£365
Applecross Antiques

Applecross Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Sep 2010
Browse dealers 200 items
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Pair of Antique English Victorian Staffordshire Pottery Theatrical Figures "Ben Backstay & Companion"

19th century
Description

A quite delightful Pair of Early 19th Century Antique English Victorian Staffordshire Pottery Theatrical Figures depicting a sailor, Ben Backstay, H 1109, and his lady companion, H 1110, the identification being taken from a lithograph published in 1823 entitled, "Mr. T.P. Cooke as "Ben Backstay". Thomas Potter Cooke, { 1786 - 1864 }, the son of a London surgeon served in the Royal Navy as a boy before making his first stage appearance in 1804, subsequently appearing in numerous nautical productions during his long theatrical career.

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Physical Dimensions
Height
23cm (9.06")
Width
9cm (3.54")
Declaration

Applecross Antiques has dated these Staffordshire Pottery Figures to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA902672
Dealers Internal Reference
POAEVSPFBBAC-63
Dealers Notes

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Description
A quite delightful Pair of Early 19th Century Antique English Victorian Staffordshire Pottery Theatrical Figures depicting a sailor, Ben Backstay, H 1109, and his lady companion, H 1110, the identification being taken from a lithograph published in 1823 entitled, "Mr. T.P. Cooke as "Ben Backstay". Thomas Potter Cooke, { 1786 - 1864 }, the son of a London surgeon served in the Royal Navy as a boy before making his first stage appearance in 1804, subsequently appearing in numerous nautical productions during his long theatrical career.
fig 1. A pair of antique Victorian Staffordshire ceramic theatrical figures dressed in navy jackets, tartan patterned clothing, and holding hats.
fig 1. Pair of Antique English Victorian Staffordshire Pottery Theatrical Figures "Ben Backstay & Companion"

Love This Item ? ~ Why Not Make Us An Offer ?

“
BUY this fine Collector's Item NOW with your Debit / Credit Card via STRIPE our Ultra Secure Payment Gateway or via PayPal ~ Simply make your selection at the Checkout.
Applecross Antiques
Height
23cm (9.06")
Width
9cm (3.54")
Date of Manufacture

Applecross Antiques has dated these Staffordshire Pottery Figures to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA902672
Dealers Internal Ref
POAEVSPFBBAC-63
Applecross Antiques
Applecross Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Sep 2010

Dealers in the old, the rare and the beautiful ~

Dealer Profile

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

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A pair of antique Victorian Staffordshire ceramic theatrical figures dressed in navy jackets, tartan patterned clothing, and holding hats.
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Archive I A pair of antique Victorian Staffordshire ceramic theatrical figures dressed in navy jackets, tartan patterned clothing, and holding hats.

Pair of Antique English Victorian Staffordshire Pottery Theatrical Figures "Ben Backstay & Companion"

Archive II A pair of antique Victorian Staffordshire ceramic theatrical figures dressed in navy jackets, tartan patterned clothing, and holding hats. View II
Archive III A pair of antique Victorian Staffordshire ceramic theatrical figures dressed in navy jackets, tartan patterned clothing, and holding hats. View III
Archive IV A pair of antique Victorian Staffordshire ceramic theatrical figures dressed in navy jackets, tartan patterned clothing, and holding hats. View IV
Archive V A pair of antique Victorian Staffordshire ceramic theatrical figures dressed in navy jackets, tartan patterned clothing, and holding hats. View V
Archive VI A pair of antique Victorian Staffordshire ceramic theatrical figures dressed in navy jackets, tartan patterned clothing, and holding hats. View VI
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Telephone 07711 802159
Location
Shrewsbury
Shropshire
United Kingdom
Verified Since Sep 2010
Items For Sale 200
Items Sold 348
Applecross Antiques
Applecross Antiques
Verified Since Sep 2010
View Dealer Info
Location: Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom
Verified
Sep 2010
For Sale
200
Sold
348
A pair of antique Victorian Staffordshire ceramic theatrical figures dressed in navy jackets, tartan patterned clothing, and holding hats.
Pair of Antique English Victorian Staffordshire Pottery Theatrical Figures "Ben Backstay & Companion"
Ref: SA902672
A pair of antique Victorian Staffordshire ceramic theatrical figures dressed in navy jackets, tartan patterned clothing, and holding hats.
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Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Figurines
  • Period19th century
  • StyleVictorian
  • MaterialEarthenware, Glaze, Enamel
  • ColourCobalt Blue and White
  • MotifsPress-moulded ceramic, Tartan pattern, Hand-painted enamels, Moulded bases
  • SizeH 23 cm (9 in) x W 9 cm (4 in)

These 19th Century English Victorian Staffordshire pottery theatrical figures depict a sailor, Ben Backstay, and his lady companion, modelled in earthenware with a glossy glaze. Both figures stand on circular moulded white bases, each wearing a dark cobalt blue jacket, with the female figure wearing a red, green and white tartan pattern skirt and the male figure dressed in white trousers and a striped top in red, green and white enamels. They hold round straw-textured hats and have dark hair framing painted facial features, finished with touches of hand-painted polychrome decoration. The pair measures 23 cm high and 9 cm wide. Ideal for display in an English country house interior, they sit comfortably upon a mantelpiece or bookshelf as ornamental collector's items.

Staffordshire figures are earthenware ornaments produced in the Staffordshire potteries region of England, primarily during the 19th century. They frequently depicted popular cultural icons, historical events, royalty, theatrical characters, and everyday folk scenes.

These items were manufactured using moulded earthenware decorated with underglaze cobalt blue and hand-painted overglaze enamel colours. A clear lead glaze was typically applied prior to firing in kilns.

Authentic Victorian pieces generally feature press-moulded hollow interiors, small air release holes at the back or base, lead glazes, and age-related crazing. They often lack maker marks and display minor hand-painted variations.

Displaying a pair symmetrically on a fireplace mantelpiece, bookshelf, or side table creates a classic focal point. They add colour, historical narrative, and visual interest when grouped with books or modern stoneware.

Clean ceramics using a soft, dry microfibre cloth or dry brush to remove dust. Avoid immersing earthenware in water or using chemical cleaners, as moisture can enter fine crazing lines and degrade overglaze enamels.
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