Staffordshire Dogs

I won two pairs of 19th century Staffordshire dogs today. The above pair are 9 1/2 inches tall and 7 inches wide each.  They are green with gold lusters and have lockets, chains, and collars. They have blue eyes with a pink underglaze. 

 One can tell the 19th century Staffordshire dogs from the recent ones because they have firing holes instead of casting holes.  Firing holes let the gases out while in the kiln.  Also, the older ones are made in press molds instead of slip molds. 

Modern pieces have holes in them about the size of a dime.  Both dogs in modern pieces will be the same height.  Older pieces may have one dog a bit larger than the other. 

Finally,  older pieces have some hand painting on the back, while newer pieces have only occasional bits of painting on the back. This pair measures 10 inches tall and about 6 inches wide each.  They also sport lockets, collars, and chains and have separated front legs. 

The experts at Fusco Auctions in Willoughby,  Ohio  have taught me all of this valuable information.