The young Queen Victoria’s King Charles Spaniel named "Dash" boosted the popularity of this gentle lap dog breed already ennobled by their association with England’s Stuart monarchs in the 17th century. Made at one of the many potteries in Staffordshire, England, dog figurines such as ours standing guard were habitually placed on mantelpieces in 19th-century homes throughout Great Britain and its far-flung empire. Victoria and her consort prince Albert help to create the British Empire and they continued to promote local industries throughout their long reign. The spaniels were seated in pairs, decorated with a gold chain and locket, and with a creamy white base coat. While spaniels were not the only breed produced – greyhounds were also in demand – they were the most popular by far. Many Staffordshire potteries centered in towns such as Burslem, Stoke and Tunstall, made these kinds of figurines, some less successfully than others. There are also many reproductions on the market. Our dogs, an early pair, are of the best quality and marked with a raised “T”, as yet unidentified. Condition: Excellent with minor paint loss. Dimensions: 10" x 7" x 4".