A Staffordshire pearlware figure group of 'The New Marriage Act', circa 1825
The well-dressed couple standing before a clergyman and clerk, below a plaque inscribed 'The New Marriage Act, John Frill and Ann Boke Aged 21 that is right says the parson amen says the clerk', within an arched church interior, 15.5cm high
Footnotes:
The Marriage Act of 1823 restricted the many reasons by which marriages could all too easily be annulled. A similar group is illustrated by Myrna Schkolne in People, Passions, Pastimes and Pleasures (2006), p.75. Another from the Sampson and Horne Collection was sold by Bonhams on 28 April 2010, lot 704.

In good general condition. The book and the parson's hand which holds it has been restored and the tip of the groom's right shoe is lacking. The enamels remain well save for some small areas of flaking to the black enamel on the groom's coat and hat and the painted arches behind the parson and one side of the bride's green coat. There are a few small, shallow chips to the sharp edges of the steps, of little significance.