This is a later 19th Century pair of Staffordshire figurines of the English Highwaymen, Dick Turpin and Tom King. They date to around 1865.
There are raised letters on the base annotating the title of each flatback figure. They are decorated with gilt highlights and letters - and with lots of polychrome enamels. I love the vibrant colouring on this pair - they look just so fabulous!
The figurine shows the notorious highwaymen, King and Turpin.
Tom King (c.1712 – 1737) operated in the Essex and London areas. King was a close associate of fellow highwayman Dick Turpin. He was regarded as a rather swashbuckling, charming, devil-may-care character. Because of his manners when robbing his victims, King became known as "the gentleman highwayman", and "Captain King".
Dick Turpin (1705 – 1739) was an English robber and highwayman. He joined the notorious gang of deer poachers and smugglers in Essex. When the gang was broken up he went into partnership with the celebrated highwayman, Tom King. He was convicted to horse stealing in 1739 and was hanged at York. He is shown here on his famous horse: Black Bess.
This figure is in good antique condition - with no nasty chips or cracks - the fine legs of the horses have not been broken, and given that they are very fine and vulnerable areas - this is most remarkable. The Tom King one has a fine firing crack on the back of the base - which was done in the kiln in the making - and a little glazed-over chip, which was again done in the making of the figurine. You can see these when on display - but I am noting it for complete accuracy.
I have a larger issue of Tom King on his own - this one measures 11 1/2 inches and is also listed on my website.
This pair is slightly smaller in size. The dimensions are as follows: Dick Turpin. His height is 11 inches, the width is 7 inches and the depth is 2 1/2 inches. Tom King. His height is 10 1/2 inches, the width is 7 3/4 inches and the depth is 2 1/5 inches.
Sadly, I will not be able to post this one outside of the UK. I will send them to you in the UK with Parcelforce24. This will cost £10 and applied to your order at the checkout.