Pair of Large 19th Century Staffordshire Spaniel Dogs – Sampson Smith Longton

A superb pair of large 19th century Staffordshire pottery spaniel dogs, one bearing the impressed Sampson Smith 1851 Longton factory mark. The marked dog measures approximately 36 cm high, while the larger unmarked example measures approximately 38 cm high and appears to be the earlier of the two. Both are modelled as seated spaniels with cream glazed bodies decorated with black hand-painted markings, collars, chains and pendants. Their substantial size and wonderfully characterful modelling give them excellent decorative presence. There are subtle differences between the two in their modelling, glaze and painted decoration, which is entirely in keeping with the individual nature of antique Staffordshire pottery. A striking pair of genuine Victorian Staffordshire spaniels, particularly desirable at this large scale and with the added interest of the Sampson Smith Longton mark.