Vintage Staffordshire Ceramic Spaniel Mantle Dog or Fireplace Figurine, England, 1950s

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This ceramic Staffordshire Spaniel Mantle Dog Figurine was made in England during the 1950s. The figurine is made from high … Read more This ceramic Staffordshire Spaniel Mantle Dog Figurine was made in England during the 1950s. The figurine is made from high quality hand painted ceramic, so there are differences between each piece. This makes each figurine unique. Decorated with a gold chain and medallion and a creamy white coat, speckled with black. They were usually placed on mantelpieces in 19th century homes. Many other breeds were produced, especially greyhounds, although spaniels were particularly popular, attributed to the royal family favouring the King Charles Spaniel breed. In Scotland they were colloquially known as Wally dugs. The Staffordshire Spaniel was the epitome of Victorian bourgeois ornament and status symbol. No fireplace was complete without a pair of spaniels standing guard. Staffordshire dogs are now collectors' items. The quality of the modelling and painting of the figurines may vary.

Interesting facts corner: Victorian tales describe the usefulness of placing Staffordshire Spaniel figurines on window sills. One story relates that a woman would place the ornaments in her front window. If the spaniels were facing away from each other, it meant her husband was home. If he was away or at sea, the dogs were positioned facing each other. When her lover passed the house, he would know by the way the dogs looked whether it was safe to visit her without her husband knowing.

The figurine is in original vintage condition. See less