This is a another interesting Staffordshire flatback figurine. It is of historical interest and relates to the mythical heroine from the 1857 Indian Mutiny - "Highland Jessie" or Jessie Brown. It dates to the late 1850s. These notable public figures would have been discussed in newspapers such as the Illustrated London News - and their exploits certainly caught the imagination of the public. This made them very commercial subjects for commemorative figurines produced at the Staffordshire potteries.
The modelling of this figure group is slightly more three-dimensional but the back remains undecorated consistent with that on flatback figurines. These flatbacks would have been put on a mantlepiece or dresser and viewed from the front - decoration on the back would not be required.
Height: The figurine is 9 1/4 inches in height.
The figurine shows Jessie standing beside her husband, Corporal Brown of the 32nd Regiment. He is seated next to a barrel with his rifle resting on the top of it. It was alleged that Jessie was present at the relief of Lucknow and rallied the troops by shouting that she could hear the bagpipes of the reliving troops in the distance.
The model is in good antique condition and displays well with bright colours. There are no chips or cracks and the paintwork is without loss. There are a couple of small fine firing crack on the reverse - these are hardly noticeable and occurred in the making of the figure. The previous owner had put a little sticker identifying the model on the base, I have left this on.
It is listed at a very fair price.
The figure features in the following reference book: 'Staffordshire Portrait Figures' by P D Gordon Pugh, page C289. Figure 266.
UK Postage with the Royal Mail Tracked (Small Parcel). This will be applied to your order at the checkout.