Rockingham Toy Dove Figure White and Gilt RARE Circa 1826 AF

This is an extremely rare and sought after porcelain figure. This small, miniature porcelain figure was produced in England during the 19th century, circa 1826-1830. The figure is modelled as a dove perched on a rocky base and was produced by the Rockingham Works factory.

The dove features ornate gilt and white decoration and an unglazed base with incised mould number reading ‘No 112.’ Rockingham factory mould numbers ranged from 1 to 120. See a similar open winged white and gilt Dove bird photographed in the wonderful D.G.Rice book called 'English Porcelain Animals of the 19th century’, shown as Figure 163 on page 200 (at the time of printing in the year 1989 the Dove was owned by the Yorkshire Museum.

The book refers to Rockingham porcelain as ‘The finest porcelain animals to be produced in this country in the nineteenth century were made at the Rockingham factory, which was located at Swinton, near Rotherham, Yorkshire. Nearly all Rockingham animals have under the base an incised model number preceded by the incised letters 'No' in script’ Reference also: Figure 133 (page 162), Figure 136a (page 166) and page 202.

This is a rare opportunity to own such a charming figure, the only other white and gilt example we have seen of this figure is mentioned in the above reference book. This is a fabulous collector’s piece.

Measuring: Width 1 5/8 inch (4 cm) by height 2 ¾ inch (7 cm). Depth 1 3/8 inch (3.5 cm).

Condition: Very old visible hairline running around base of neck and chest, it is perfectly stable. Tiny chip to very tip of beak. Drying fault to tip of right wing. No restoration when examined under UV.

Item id:15285