RARE Antique 19th Century English Jackfield Black Porcelain Staffordshire Spaniel Dog, 15”

This is an absolutely stunning Jackfield black glazed porcelain Staffordshire spaniel mantel dog made in England, circa 1870. He is left facing with a front separated leg and white painted sgraffito eyes which give him an almost other-worldly look. Dogs of this stature are extremely RARE and impossible to find standing at a magnificent 15" tall. His sideways stance (most mantle dogs face forward), his finely detailed face, white painted sgraffito eyes, gold gilding in almost perfect condition and separated front leg make him more valuable and highly collectable. He also has a firing hole on the backside indicative of antique Staffordshire dogs. 

Jackfield Ware was produced by applying a glossy black glaze over a red earthenware body. The process was believed to have originated in the Shropshire town of Jackfield, England, hence the name. It has been remarked that Jackfield spaniels became popular during the decade that followed Pince Albert's death in 1861 and may have been a reflection of the black attire that Queen Victoria wore from that time on.

• Sourced in Round Top from a highly reputable antiques dealer who buys direct from England
• Measures 15" x 10" x 7" and has a small hairline crack on one side of the head/ear but does not affect integrity nor does it detract from appearance. There are a few tiny scuffs/nicks (see pics) on backside. Price reflects these small imperfections.
• He is in overall excellent condition for his age at 154 years old
• I was unable to find a 15" tall Jackfield dog anywhere online making this one a true unicorn!
• Please note that last two pics are included just for size reference and the other dogs/cat are not inlcuded in this listing.