Rare Staffordshire Flat Back Eagle & Child Figure c.1860

Earthenware flat backs and figurines for domestic decoration were first produced in Staffordshire in the 1830s. Production continued throughout the Victorian period and into the early 20th century, produced in vast numbers usually modelled after popular prints, events and figures. This Staffordshire figure possibly relates to the Stanley crest, that in turn was derived from the Lathom crest. Legend tells us Sir Thomas Lathom desired a male heir, his only child was a daughter. Walking in Tarlescough Woods, he heard an infant crying. Servants were sent to investigate and they returned with a young male child which they discovered sleeping in an eagle’s nest. Sir Thomas and his wife decided to bring it up as their own son, naming him ‘Oskatel’. This rare Victorian Staffordshire figure modelled as a large white eagle with outstretched wings clutching a child in it’s talons. Crisp, detailed moulding. Gilt and enamelled decoration. Vent hole to reverse. Minor paint losses to ground. Gilt rubbed. The Eagle & Child have no restoration. Almost no paint losses to the rockwork and eagle's beak. Some rubbing to gilt. There are some kiln effects in the form of shrinkage cracks and crazing as expected with these pieces. What appears to be a hairline on the left wing is purely superficial and is only on the surface.