A lovely Pair of Antique Staffordshire Figurines of I would say are very Alert Dalmations

THE STORY - I confess to having and always will do a soft spot in my heart for Dalmatians as when I was young I grew up with a wonderful Dalmatian called Emma. Indeed there was something about the moulding of this pair that reminded me of her, I think it was the alertness in their faces with each of them looking in slightly different directions, because as I know with Emma focused concentration was not one of her talents. Although not marked, which was not unusual I am pretty certain this pair would have been made by one of the Staffordshire Potteries and my instinct tells would date to circa 1870. Their size is lovely not overly large and certainly not miniature measuring approx 5"/13.5cm in height as they sit upright on their cobalt blue oval bases. As typical of this period the dogs are hand painted with their black spots and their wonderful faces and I have to say I do love their little red smiles. They each have around their neck a painted gilt collar and chain which originally would have shone out but over time and much love this has rubbed which is also true of the gilt line around the rim of the bases.

AGE - Circa 1870

CONDITION - Both the dogs are in good condition with no chips or cracks that I can see. The gilt paint of the collar and chain and rim around the base has mostly been rubbed away over the years.

DIMENSIONS ( Approx of Each Dog) - Height 5" / 13.5cm, Width 3&1/4" / 8.5cm, Depth 2&3/8" / 6cm

It's funny as I sit and look at these two they make me smile as I imagine them eager to dash off their cobalt blue bases in search of any mischief they can find. They have certainly spoken to me and I think they would speak to any Dalmatian Owner past or present. But to be honest they are just wonderful and would be a lovely addition to any collection shelf or cabinet.