How to Identify Staffordshire Porcelain Dogs

Each Staffordshire figurine is hand painted with glided detail.

Staffordshire porcelain dogs were among the animal figurines produced in Stafford, England. The vast amount of raw materials available in the local seaside towns helped Stafford secure its place at the center of the pottery industry in the 1700s. The industry reached its zenith in the latter half of the 19th century. Porcelain dogs in pristine condition today are valued in the hundreds of dollars. They are considered collectors' items, and there are a number of fake pieces on the market in attempt to capitalize on their popularity. In most cases, it is easy to identify whether a Staffordshire porcelain dog is an original.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check for the telltale design characteristics of Staffordshire figurines. The base color is usually cream, with splashes of vivid color across the face to pick out the details. The height of the platform base is usually around half an inch, and the figurine is rarely longer than four inches.

2. Turn the figurine upside down to check for the authentic patent office pottery marks. Staffordshire pottery stamps are in the shape of a diamond encoded with date, maker's name and location where it was produced. Older figurines may have a variation of this stamp.

3. Inspect the figurine for signs of aging. The coloring of the antique dog varies depending on the piece and the care it has received after its origination in the 19th century. Regardless, there should be some signs of aging. If the piece is brightly colored and shows no sign of age, it is likely a fake.

4. Take the piece to an antiques dealer who can verify whether the piece is an original. An antique specialist can tell straight away from the weight, glaze and size of the porcelain dog.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not buy an antique figurine unless you are sure that it is an original. There are lots of fake pieces on the market that are not worth the same amount of money as original pieces.

References

• "Staffordshire Figures of the 19th and 20th Centuries: A Collector's Guide"; Kit Harding; 2000