Wonderful Circa 1880 English Antique Victorian Staffordshire GLASS EYE Hunt Mantle Spaniel Dog Pair. 10.25 inches. White Coat. Gilded Collars, Padlocks and Chains. Crystal, Amber, Black Eyes. Gilt Scattered Throughout, on Ears and Tail. Black Muzzle with Downturned Red Mouth. These are classic, textbook circa 1880, Glass Eyed Spaniels in excellent condition. All four eyes are an attractive crystal, amber and black and by all appearances, match. Under UV light, the eyes and surrounding area look very clean. For those that collect glass eyed Comforters or need to round out a collection, this is a perfect opportunity. This pair is top example that would be at home in any top collections, for the connoisseur. Height: 10.25 inches. Condition: These Spaniels are in excellent condition given their age, with the usual losses to gilt, and a very minor firing crack along the “press molding” line of the right-hand dog, again, very minor. Staffordshire potters in England starting in the mid-19th century began depicting Spaniels and other popular breeds such as Poodles, Greyhounds, Whippets, and Dalmatians. After Queen Victoria married Prince Albert in 1840, the family grew to include several dogs, but none were more popular than her favorite pet and constant companion, Dash, a King Charles Spaniel. This sparked a love for this particular breed. Early production Victorian Staffordshire dogs (1840s-1860s) are distinct from later productions (1870s-turn of the century) primarily in manufacturing techniques, quality of decoration, and overall craftsmanship. The transition from more rustic. Handmade pieces to factory produced models marks the most significant differences. In the second half of the 20th century an appreciation for English country and aristocratic themes grew in popularity, sparking a love for related antiques and collectibles. No where was this more evident than in the collection of antique Victorian Staffordshire dogs. It became increasingly common to find Staffordshire dogs for sale in prestigious galleries, antique shops and auctions, and once again these lovely comforters became a go-to piece for homes across the social spectrum. In recent years, the market for antique Staffordshire dogs has experienced a significant revival driven by new interest from younger. Collectors and online decor trends.
