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Antique Staffordshire Spaniels
My Vintage Alcove | Hendersonville NC
Staffordshire Dogs
01 November 2022
Staffordshire Spaniels were figurines molded after the King Charles Spaniel. These pottery figures had a basic breed resemblance. They were characterized by a crude beauty and charming simplicity. The distinctive look usually featured an inverted smile and wide painted eyes. Nearly all pieces feature a neck chain, collar and padlock (locket). They are seen in various sizes, styles and colors. Some are portrayed laying down. The best known examples are the seated, flat-back style. These were manufactured in pairs. One facing left, the other right. Staffordshire’s greatest period of production was from 1840-1890s.
Comforter Spaniels are desired in pairs, but single models are sought after as well. Back in the day, these figurines were not considered fine pottery and were primarily purchased by families of modest means to decorate the hearth. The situation has since changed! They are currently recognized worldwide as a valuable, often pricey, antique collectible. Their value continues to escalate at they increasingly become more rare.
During the Victorian Era, when Spaniels were one of Staffordshire’s best-selling items, molds were used almost exclusively. Molded clay was used and kiln fired to form the pottery. Most Spaniel molds consisted of a front and back. Most of the decorative painting was performed by women and children. Most Spaniels are unmarked.
Typical release hole placement was near the shoulder. Occasionally, a release hole was found on the head area.
A limited number of Spaniels were molded in the round. The majority were flat-backs. This was because they were designed to be placed against mantle walls. Spaniels with great detail on back are not common, and therefore are more collectible and pricey. Spaniels with separate legs were also more costly. These are often very difficult to find in mint condition.
A comforter pair often includes one Spaniel which is slightly larger than the companion. One common theory is that they were deliberately created to feature a female and slightly larger male. Minimal height differences are to be expected as no two left and right molds were exactly alike. Also, with so many pairs produced by factories, some were often mismatched.
Fine pairs are available in both of my shops sourced from local estates in Hendersonville and Asheville, NC. Start or add to your collection today!
Source:
Staffordshire Spaniels by Adele Kenny; 1997.
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My Vintage Alcove
Vintage, Home Décor & Gifts
Hendersonville, NC
http://www.MyVintageAlcove.com
Whether you are looking to preserve a family heirloom, or protect for investment, here are some tips on how to care for your Vintage Evesham Gold Porcelain.
15 November 2022 What is a Crudité Platter? With fall gatherings at work & home on the rise, wow everyone with a Crudité Platter. What is it? Think very fancy bite-sized raw veggie platter with French flair! So simple, yet very elegant served on this Vintage Porcelain Crudité Platter by Royal Worcester. “Evesham Gold” pattern is very decorative by itself, as you can see. But, add veggies in the wells, and become the star for healthy nibbles at your next event! This round tray is perfect for a beginner because it is designed with individual sections. No learning curve needed on how to arrange everything. And no fears of veggies not staying in place when the tray is moved. Fill each of the outer 5 individual wells with fresh veggies such as: Celery, Grape Tomatoes, Rainbow Baby Carrots, Red or Yellow Bell Peppers or Sliced cucumbers. Think what’s in season and available at the moment. And, don’t be afraid to add a little fruit. Small grape clusters are always nice, and who doesn’t love a little sweet fruit! If you are more advanced, or have more time to prepare, you may also serve blanched vegetables such as: Asparagus, Green Beans, Cauliflower or Broccoli. Your attendees will appreciate these veggies being more digestible! The gold-rimmed center has a pretty, scalloped shape and can hold your favorite dip. Store-bought is fine, or if you’re fancy, make your own. Accent with a few microgreens, parsley leaf, or finely sliced green onions. Tiny extras make the all the difference in presentation! At 13” diameter, this Round Tray easily fits on a fridge shelf to keep until ready to present. This was an Asheville, NC estate find & it’s just perfect for this season entertaining! Available now: https://www.myvintagealcove.com/store/Royal-Worcester-Evesham-Gold-Crudite-Tray-p509561322 ~~~▪️~~~ My Vintage Alcove Vintage, Home Décor & Gifts Hendersonville, NC http://www.MyVintageAlcove.com
26 September 2022 I received the sweetest handwritten note card from a customer appreciating a Vintage Warwick Platter she received from my shop. This was an addition to a collection that she received from her mother. I love receiving your messages, emails ¬tes about why your purchase meant so much to you. It really makes my day! This prompted me to share a little history on this fascinating company that was unlike any other in the United States for their use of vitrified china. Warwick China Company was in business from 1888-1951. The factory was located in Ohio. Their business concept was to produce affordable china for the middle class. Warwick manufactured high grade vitrified china bowls, coffee and tea pots, dinnerware, jardinières, pitchers and vases. The company used decals and artists to hand paint pieces. It has been said that the quality of Warwick vitrified china resembled and was equal to the highest grade china manufactured at Limoges and other French and Australia companies. Beautifully smooth and white, strong and of remarkable fine texture. According to a collector, Betty June Wymer, the name “Warwick” was inspired by the Warwick Castle in England. Hence the backstamp on initial pieces was a knight’s helmet and crossed swords celebrating castles, knights and the elegance of those times. One of the popular dinnerware patterns is Neo-Classic Blue. A very classy design with a blue laurel open wreath in the center and continuous blue laurel band around the rim with a gold edge. Very elegant for formal dinner settings! I have a couple pieces waiting for a new home in my Etsy Shop of this classic pattern. I found these right here in Hendersonville, NC. Don’t miss out on these collectable pieces with a quality unlike any other produced in the United States: 11 Inch Oval Platter: https://tinyurl.com/2p93ev55 10 Inch Oval Vegetable Bowl: https://tinyurl.com/mr2xk3hc Sources: Ohio Country Public Library Wheeling Intelligencer; October 9, 1912 ~~~▪️~~~ My Vintage Alcove Vintage Home Décor and Gifts Hendersonville NC 28793 http://www.MyVintageAlcove.com
The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.