Pair of Large Staffordshire Dogs

Staffordshire dog figurines were habitually found on mantelpieces and windowsills in 19th-century homes. They are also known as hearth spaniels or fireplace dogs as they were positioned on top of the mantelpiece. Many other breeds were produced, particularly the greyhound, though the spaniels were especially popular and this is attributed to royalty favouring the King Charles Spaniel breed.
Standing 350 mm tall and 300 mm wide, these are a large pair of Dogs in the traditional white glaze with black muzzels. Staffordshire Spaniels facial expressions vary but this pair has a very confident and slightly fierce expression although like the Mona Lisa its a bit hard to decipher. Much of the gold to the collars has now worn away but the pair is in lovely condition with no chips or breaks. The eyes have been replaced at some stage but are in keeping with the usual expressions. Marked on the base is a gold painted letter denoting the person who painted on the glaze and gilding. Good quality pairs like this are becoming harder to find.