Staffordshire Twin Figures — Sailor Boys on Rocky Base, Circa 1860

A pair of Staffordshire flatback figures, two young sailors seated together on a rocky, fountain-pierced base, finished with the fine applied "spaghetti" moss ornament so prized in mid-Victorian pottery.

OBJECT DETAILS

Object type: Figure group / flatback ornament

Material(s): Glazed earthenware (Staffordshire-style pottery), polychrome hand-painted decoration

Style / Movement: Victorian flatback, English folk pottery

Era: Circa 1860

Origin: England (Staffordshire style)

Maker/Designer: Unattributed — Staffordshire flatbacks were rarely marked

Key features: Twin seated sailor boys in sailor-collar outfits, pierced fountain motif between figures, hand-applied "spaghetti" (coleslaw) moss decoration to the rocky base, hand-painted facial and costume detail

Use case (first sentence): An ideal piece for collectors of English folk pottery, or for film and TV set decorators sourcing authentic Victorian mantelpiece dressing.

DIMENSIONS
H 27cm × W 17cm (H 10.6" × W 6.7")

CONDITION REPORT
In good vintage condition, consistent with age and use. Some losses and imperfections to the applied moss decoration, as commonly seen on pieces of this age and technique. No cracks, no repairs, no restoration to the figures themselves. Photographs form part of this description. Please review all images carefully as they document the piece's condition in full detail.

CURATOR'S NOTE
Selected for its scale and the richness of its applied decoration — a larger, more heavily worked example of a form collectors know well. Two boys caught mid-summer, forever seated by a fountain that never runs dry.

FAQ

What is the condition of this piece? In good vintage condition, consistent with age and use. Some losses to the applied moss decoration, typical of this technique and period. No cracks, no repairs, no restoration unless noted. Photographs form part of this description — please review all images carefully.

What are the exact dimensions? H 27cm x W 17cm (10.6" x 6.7").

Where does this piece come from? This piece originates from England, Staffordshire style, circa 1860. Maker unknown.

Do you ship internationally? Yes — Fontaine London ships worldwide. Prices shown include duties and taxes for your country (DDP — Delivered Duty Paid), so there are no surprise charges on delivery. Shipping cost is calculated at checkout.

Is this piece suitable for film or TV prop use? Yes — this piece is period-accurate for 1850s–60s English interiors and is available for prop hire enquiries. Please contact us directly to discuss.

What is your returns policy? We offer a 14-day return policy for items that do not match their description. As all pieces are one-of-a-kind vintage items, we ask buyers to review all photographs and the condition report carefully before purchasing.

Can I request more photos? Yes — please contact us via the enquiry form and we will be happy to provide additional photographs or answer any questions about this piece.