Anthropomorphic Cat Figures – Buyer Be Aware!

These charming anthropomorphic cat figurines – a soldier cat in uniform and a lady cat holding a cup – though often sold as antique Staffordshire, appear to be of relatively modern production. Two examples are shown.

Consider these factors when evaluating:

• Weight and Feel: Older ceramics often have a different “feel” or weight than modern ones. These pieces just don’t have that “feel”.
• Glaze: Antique glazes might show fine crazing (a network of tiny cracks) or have a different luster. Modern glazes tend to be very smooth and uniform as seen with these figures.
• Painting Style: Antique hand-painting often shows more variation, slight imperfections, and a particular brushwork style. These pieces have a uniform, almost stenciled, painting.
• Molding Details: Sharper, more crisp details on older, well-made molds, versus softer, less defined details on molds that have been used many times or are themselves copies.
• “Same Mold, Differing Colors”: This is a strong indicator of mass production. Factories often use the same molds but vary the paint schemes to create variety.
• “Mass Produced Appearance”: This often means a less refined finish, less intricate hand-painting (or very uniform, stencil-like painting), and sometimes a slightly coarser porcelain/ceramic body compared to the best antique examples. These cat figures were made in quantity and can usually be found available for sale on the internet.

Conclusion:

Given these observations – glaze and painting style, same mold with differing colors, and a mass-produced feel – it is highly probable that these anthropomorphic cat inkwells are modern vintage, not genuine 19th-century Staffordshire antiques.