Porcelain figure pre 1907

[historystudent]

Hi,
I am researching an old family item for a history assignment. I'm hoping someone may have an idea of the origins and age of this porcelain figure. It is definitely pre 1907, as it was given to my great grandmother as a wedding gift in that year.

The figure is a woman with a white and black cat sitting on her left shoulder. Her gown is painted green with gold highlights. Her hair is brown. Apart from her hair, she is not painted on the back.  She is 8 1/2 inches tall and has a base of 2 inches diameter. She is hollow and has an open base. She has been broken and repaired in the past.

She apprarently came as one of a pair. The other figure was of a man with a dog on his shoulder.

I have not been able to find any identifying marks. However, there is a possible 'N' or 'Z' or '7' etched on the figure's right side on the skirt??

Here are some photographs:

















Can anyone see any identifying marks?

Any ideas anyone can offer would be most appreciated  

Thank you,

historystudent

[D&b antiques]

you have a very interesting piece of American Americana. these were sold on the streets of philadelphia Boston & New york. about 1890. Made by italian immigrant's.

They are fashioned after the famous Staffordshire flat Back's. the back's were not painted. ( it saved Paint) because they were designed to set on mantel pieces. often confused for staffordshire.

[historystudent]

Hi,
Thanks for this. I thought it was very interesting that it was not painted on the back. The story is that both the figures sat on my great grandmother's mantelpiece - what they were made for

I forgot to say that I live in Australia. Would these imitations of staffordshire flat backs have been made here also or would it have been imported from the US?

Thanks again for your help

[D&b antiques]

very likely imported from the U.S.

[KC]

Agree with D&b - or someone made a trip to the US and took home some souvenirs!

[historystudent]

Thanks
Do you know anywhere on the web where I could find information about the figures sold in 1890s in Philadelphia, Boston & New York? (other examples etc.)

Thanks again,

historystudent

[D&b antiques]

I'am not sure where on the net it might be. or how it would be listed.

[historystudent]

Thanks for your help,
I will see what I can find

Regards,

historystudent

[KC]

Unfortunately, there are questions to be answered that still are not able to be found in written form on the internet.

Fortunately,  there will be information that comes along that is gleaned from people that have been in the antique realm for many, many years (Ex: D&b, Chris Marshall, railman44, cogar, dontbe and many others - even newbies like Ironlord1963 that dive into research head first and wonderful newcomers to this site like regularjoe2! etc)