The two eight-piece sets, on sale for £240 each at Gilly’s Antiques in Bolton, have sparked a debate over racism and historical context.
Graham Wilson, owner of Gilly’s Antiques, told the Bolton News: “We deal in vintage and antique items.
“There are a lot of things which, if you apply today’s viewpoint, you could be critical of.
“But taken in the context of when they were made, they weren’t considered to be racist by the standards of that time.
“I simply offer a full and very broad range of items found in house clearances.
“If you think that applying a current viewpoint on racism retrospectively to vintage or antique items is correct, I think you are being very naive.”
The figures, which date back to the 1950s and 1960s, were promotional items for Robertson’s jam and marmalade.
They have long been considered collectables, but their origins are widely criticised as a racist caricature.
The items came under fire after being advertised on Facebook, with one commenter saying: “Oh nice, casually racist figurines, that’s a really good look for your business.”
Mr Wilson said antiques often include objects that reflect outdated and sometimes offensive social attitudes.
He said: “With antiques, it’s natural to come across outdated things.
“I don’t know what I’m going to find; some things today people might find offensive.”
He compared the Golly debate to collectors’ interest in other controversial historical artefacts.
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The Golly figurines have caused a mixed response online (Image: Gilly’s Antiques)
He said: “In the Second World War, in the Army, people would come back with mementoes from the war.
“Some of it could be Nazi memorabilia.
“I can understand that not being accepted in today’s society, but out there is a niche market.
“Engravings or prints of slavery, for example, an antique print depicting slavery, what do you do, rip it up and throw it away?
“It’s a difficult one.”
He also drew comparisons with other once-acceptable items, such as furniture containing ivory or memorabilia linked to outdated television shows.
Mr Wilson said: “At the time they were manufactured, things like the Black and White Minstrel Show were perfectly acceptable.
“Many TV shows wouldn’t be put on air now.
“So many things in my business have to be viewed in the context in which they were made.
“Do you take everything off sale simply because times and views change?
“Where do you draw the line?”
He said the antiques trade routinely confronts questions of taste, history, and changing cultural standards.
He said: “Anything could be considered offensive to someone.
“I accept everyone has a right to their own view.”
The Golly character was retired from Robertson’s branding in 2001.
The Facebook post from Gilly’s Antiques sparked a divided response from the public.
One supporter wrote: “Back in the day, the Robertsons’ figures weren’t classed as racist.
“I loved collecting the little stickers on the jam jars.”
Another recalled: “My grandma worked for Robertson when I was little and had every single figurine.
“I think employees were given them.”
A third said: “I have a beautiful handmade golly that was gifted to me.
“He sits in pride of place amongst the old teddies I have too — a cherished item.”
Others, however, argued that the figures should never have been considered acceptable.
One commenter wrote: “Not classed as racist by white people, I expect.
“As anecdotally, I’ve heard otherwise.”
Another added: “They are racist, now and ‘back then’. They are stereotypical caricatures of black people. To deny that is simply ignorant.”
Mr Wilson confirmed the figures are still for sale.
