These are an amazing pair of mantlepiece or chimney decorative figures.
They are of exceptional size and are a matching pair - both made at the same time and at the same pottery. It is rare to find such large pairs and in generally good antique condition.
They must date to around the 1860s. These are GENUINE antique pieces and not later reproduction pieces. They are being sold as guaranteed antique items.
Apart from being of this larger scale - they are also a very attractive subject showing an attractive couple in a rural setting and standing next to a wall which is a finely modelled billy goat standing on it.
So a lovely pair for popping on a fireplace mantel or country dresser in a rustic cottage.
The right-hand figure shows a handsome young gentleman with black wavy hair. He has on a fine white linen shirt with a little green ribbon cravat. He wears a cobalt blue jacked with old gold tones on the lapel and buttons. He carries under his arm a bright orange fringed shawl. He wears a plaid kilt which shows off his fine legs. He has on a pair of black knee-high boots with a orange-tan trim to the top.
Beside the man, there is a wall (possibly to a well) and on top of this stands a long-haired goat. The man puts his arm around him and snuggles up. Below, the goat is a large orange vase with a tall stem of flowers in it.. betcha that goat thinks that they look rather tasty!
CONDITION: the gentleman figurine is in good antique condition - the colours are all present and bright. There are no chips or cracks. The man's head is totally intact and has never been broken off. And indeed, the horns of the goat are also perfect with no repairs or damages. There is one little area of restoration of the little white pom-pom on the top of the man's white cap.. not seen when the figure is on display. I have photographed this for your inspection. There is a tiny chip to the side of the nose of the goat.
DIMENSIONS: The gentleman figurine measures: 14 inches in height. The width at the widest point is 8 inches. With a depth of about 2 3/4 inches.
I am pricing him as a sole figure at £225 - which seems a fair price given his rarity value etc.
The left-hand figure shows a lovely lady - and her costume is decorated with matching colours to her partner. She also stands next to a low wall which has a wee goat facing in the opposite direction next to her. Below, is another matching vase of flowers.
I am wondering if this figurine relates to the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) as a young man. The Royal Children were often shown with goats - and even had a little cart which was drawn by a pair of little goats. The Prince certainly enjoyed wearing Highland garb. The other figurine might show his sister, the Princess Royal ?
The lady is the partner with her beau. She wears a fancy bonnet with a feather in it (undamaged). She wears a matching blue jacket to her companion and the same long orange fringed scarf. She wears a country "milkmaid" style dress decorated all over with tiny flowers. Again, she cuddles the goat on the wall next to her. The lady has never had her head repaired and there are no damages to the horns of the goat.
CONDITION: This is also in good antique condition - the only condition issues are a little couple of restored chips to the base - on the bottom edge - not noticeable on display, and commensurate with the figure being picked up and put down for over 150 years (as photographed in close up - the areas look worse in my images provided). They both look fabulous on display.
Please examine carefully all the images that I have provided on this listing - as they form part of the description.
DIMENSIONS: overall height is 13 3/4 inches. The width at the widest point is about 8 1/4 inches and with a depth of 2 3/4 inches.
The details on both models are nice and crisp and it suggests that they are early casts from the moulds. Given, the wee restored chippings to the base edge (as photographed) I would be taking this into account and selling this pretty figure at £195 as a separate model.
The price that I am setting on this rare pair is £420 - with a wee reduction down to £395! You will have to look long and hard to find another one.
UK posting only. I will have to send with Parcelforce48 - and with tracked, signed and insured postage - this will be about £14 and this price will be applied at checkout.