Large 19th Century Staffordshire Gamekeeper figure

Circa 1870, a large well modeled and uncommon Staffordshire figure of a gamekeeper, the costume is somewhat deceptive, the popular interpretation is it's Scottish, however it is more imagination than reality if it is indeed supposed to be a Scotsman. The pantaloons/breeches, and gilded and fur edged tunic were likely to cause a stir in ancient Scottish society. The headgear is also somewhat fanciful, all this being said it is a great figure, with a charm one associates with the best of the Staffordshire figures. Particularly well illustrated by the pose and look on the dog. We always associate these figures with gamekeeping rather than hunting, the live bird in hand along with a rifle and a dog is more keeper than hunter, no game at the waist being more usual for a hunter.

It is a large well cast model, good facial features and generally better moulding than much of the Staffordshire output in and around the late 19th century. The decoration is overglaze and nicely restrained with care over the detail, such as the face and the dog's paws etc.

Size: this is a large figure 14 inches high (35 cm)

Condition: it is 150 plus years old and therefore one expects some wear and losses to the over painting. this can be seen on the boots and a little to the dogs coat marking. The latter being said that is all one has to consider, the body is issue free, no chips cracks repairs etc. It is a genuine 19th century original