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 In the 1950s a couple bought a large collection of Staffordshire figurines. Included in it was a pair of recumbent lions, which now belong to the next generation. They are in mint condition, with applied glass eyes. The painting is well done, and the base of each has a hole about two inches in diameter. The bases are unglazed. The original price for the pair was under $10.
These lions date from the High Victorian period of the late 19th century. In 1876 Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli proclaimed Queen Victoria as Empress of India. That event sent off a wave of British interest in all things Indian. The new Empress had Indian servants in her palaces, and the general population clamored for articles symbolizing the new Raj, as the British rule on the subcontinent was known.
The Staffordshire potters were quick to respond to the new demand, and these lions represent one facet of that activity.
Staffordshire was not for the elites of society, but for the middle class, specifically, it was a type of relatively inexpensive decorative ware that met the new demand.
At the same time, figurines of the Empress and others associated with the British dominion in India abounded. Having such pieces in one’s home was the patriotic thing to do, and nothing symbolized India more than the lion, already an icon for Britain.
The applied glass eyes and the large water hole in the unglazed base are further indications of the date. Earlier Staffordshire normally had the water mark on the back, and the undersides were glazed. Putting all of this evidence together, we safely can say that these lions date to the period of the 1870s or 1880s.
The initial $10 investment would be hard to surpass in other forms of investment. Today the pair of lions, in perfect condition, is worth $600. I doubt bank interest would have outperformed that figure.
Happy antiquing!
Lisa and Henry Lane Hull operate Commonwealth Antiques and Appraisals, Inc. at 5150 Jessie DuPont Hwy. (P. O. 35) Wicomico Church, Virginia 22570. Write to him there, or by email at
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with pictures and descriptions of items you wish to have him treat in “Antiques Considered.”
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