Staffordshire 'Milk Sold Here' Spill Vases, 1860s

A large opposite pair of Staffordshire 'Milk Sold Here' spill vases, circa 1860s, the fine pair of flatback figures depicting russet and white coloured cows before tree trunk vases with Scottish thistles to the base, 'Milk Sold Here' titles in relief to the bases picked out in soft gilt colours, height 13.98 in., width 13.19 in.

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Flatback - As the name indicates, flatback Staffordshire figures are characterized by their undecorated flat backs and are typically designed to be displayed to sit on a narrow mantlepiece. They often made in pairs and depict popular scenes or characters from literature, mythology, or history, and they were prized for their intricate details and bright colours.

These figures were popular in England during the 19th century, and they were widely produced and sold by a number of different Staffordshire based manufacturers.

In the late 1880's to the early 1900s Royal Worcester also manufactured a series of floral decorated jugs which are termed 'flat backs'.
Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Staffordshire Potteries (England), item types
- figures and groups 350
- vases 97