Pair of ceramic Staffordshire Spaniel Mantle Dogs figurines, number 1378-4, Beswick England, England, 1960s

Description

Pair of ceramic Staffordshire Spaniel Mantle Dogs figurines, number 1378-4, Beswick England, England, 1960s

A pair of Staffordshire Spaniel Mantle Dogs ceramic figurines produced by the English manufactory Beswick in the 1960s. The model is catalogued under number 1378-4. The figurines are made of high-quality, hand-painted ceramic. They are decorated with a gold chain and medallion, as well as a cream-white finish. They were typically placed on mantelpieces in 19th-century homes. Many other breeds were produced, especially sighthounds, although spaniels were particularly popular, which is attributed to the royal family’s preference for the King Charles Spaniel breed. In Scotland, they were colloquially known as Wally dugs. The Staffordshire spaniel was the quintessential ornament of Victorian bourgeois interiors and a symbol of status. No mantelpiece was complete without a pair of spaniels standing guard. Staffordshire dogs are now collectible objects. The quality of the modelling and painting may vary. Many examples were produced, but originals in good condition and in correctly matched pairs are now rare. Victorian stories describe the usefulness of placing Staffordshire spaniel figurines on window sills. One story claims that a woman could place the ornaments in her front window. If the spaniels were turned with their backs to each other, it meant that her husband was at home. If he was away or at sea, the dogs were positioned facing each other. When her lover passed by the house, he could tell from the way the dogs were looking whether it was safe to visit her without her husband’s knowledge.

John Beswick, formerly J. W. Beswick, had been a pottery manufacturer since 1894, based at the Gold Street works in Longton. Initially, tableware and ornaments such as Staffordshire cats and dogs were produced. In 1934, high-fired bone china was introduced. This enabled the company to produce high-quality figurines, including its famous racehorses and champion dogs. In 1969, Beswick was sold to Doulton & Co. Although animal figurines continued to be produced until 1989, the Beswick mark was removed in favour of Royal Doulton Royal Albert DA.

The figurines are preserved in their original vintage condition.