Scottish Bronze Newfoundland With Historic Kennel Club Inscription

Rare 1925 Scottish Bronze Newfoundland With Historic Kennel Club Inscription Early Art Deco Canine Sculpture Inscribed “HELP Scottish K.C. 1925” With Gorringes Provenance Highlights * Rare Scottish bronze model of a Newfoundland-type dog. * Early 20th century, dated 1925. * Art Deco period. * Period inscription reading “HELP Scottish K.C. 1925”. * “Scottish K.C.” is considered highly likely to refer to the Scottish Kennel Club. * The precise significance of “HELP” remains the subject of ongoing historical research. * Possible charitable, fundraising or canine-welfare association. * Solid bronze construction weighing approximately 1 kg. * Fine modelling of the Newfoundland’s broad head, substantial paws and characteristic profuse coat. * Rich naturally aged dark brown patina with warmer bronze highlights. * Historically significant breed renowned for maritime rescue and lifesaving. * Provenance: Gorringes, Lewes, 3 March 2025, Lot 427. * Original Gorringes auction label retained beneath the sculpture. * A fascinating collector’s object combining Scottish, canine and early 20th-century social history. Description A rare and historically intriguing Scottish Art Deco bronze model of a Newfoundland-type dog, dating to 1925 and distinguished by the unusual period inscription **“HELP Scottish K.C. 1925”** upon its integral stepped base. The dog is portrayed standing foursquare in full profile. Its substantial body, broad head, powerful paws and characteristic profuse coat are captured through vigorous and expressive surface modelling. Particular attention has been given to the heavy ruff and long coat, while the sensitively modelled head conveys the calm and dependable character traditionally associated with the Newfoundland. Despite measuring only 10.4 cm in length, this is a notably substantial bronze, weighing approximately 1 kg. The surface has developed a handsome dark brown antique patina with warmer reddish-bronze highlights across the raised areas, lending considerable depth to the sculptural modelling. The “HELP Scottish K.C. 1925” Inscription The most historically intriguing feature of the sculpture is its period inscription: “HELP Scottish K.C. 1925” “Scottish K.C.” is considered highly likely to refer to the Scottish Kennel Club, an organisation founded in 1881 and established by the time this bronze was dated in 1925. The precise significance of the prominently inscribed word “HELP” has not yet been conclusively established. Its wording raises the intriguing possibility that the bronze was connected with a charitable, fundraising, canine-welfare or appeal-related initiative. Earlier commercial descriptions interpreted the inscription as referring to a specific Scottish Kennel Club “Help Appeal” of 1925. Current research has not located sufficient independent contemporary documentation to substantiate an officially named appeal. We therefore record the inscription exactly as it appears while treating the Scottish Kennel Club connection as a probable association and leaving the precise significance of “HELP” open to further archival research. The Newfoundland The Newfoundland occupies a distinguished position within the history of working dogs. Developed in association with the fishing communities of Newfoundland, the breed became internationally celebrated for its considerable physical strength, swimming ability and aptitude for working in water. Its substantial physique, dense coat and powerful swimming action made the Newfoundland particularly valuable alongside fishermen and sailors. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, numerous accounts of courageous Newfoundland dogs assisting people in distress established the breed as an enduring symbol of loyalty, courage, fidelity and lifesaving. These qualities naturally attracted artists, and Newfoundland dogs became popular subjects for paintings, prints, bronzes and other works of decorative art. Maritime Rescue Tradition The combination of a Newfoundland-type dog and the prominently inscribed word “HELP” is particularly thought-provoking. By 1925, the Newfoundland’s reputation for water rescue and lifesaving was firmly embedded within British and international canine culture. One particularly famous episode within the wider folklore surrounding Newfoundland rescue dogs concerns the wreck of the *S.S. Ethie* on Newfoundland’s western coast in December 1919. Later popular accounts attributed part of the rescue to a dog belonging to local resident Reuben Decker. Subsequent historical research has questioned elements of this traditional canine-rescue narrative. No documentary evidence has presently been identified establishing that this particular bronze depicts Decker’s dog or was specifically produced to commemorate the*S.S. Ethie. The episode is therefore included as relevant historical context illustrating the Newfoundland’s celebrated maritime-rescue reputation rather than as an assertion of this sculpture’s specific identity or provenance. Provenance Gorringes, Lewes, East Sussex, 3 March 2025, Lot 427. The original Gorringes auction label remains attached to the underside of the bronze and identifies the sculpture as: “A bronze of a Newfoundland Terrier”. Subsequently acquired for the collection of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. The surviving auction label will remain with the bronze as part of its continuing provenance record. Dimensions Height: 7.5 cm Length: 10.4 cm Width: 5.9 cm Weight: approximately 1 kg Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record. Attribution and Research The historical observations, provenance research, attribution analysis and contextual commentary presented within this catalogue entry represent the professional opinion of Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®. They are offered in good faith as informed scholarly assessments based upon the available evidence, comparative research, published reference material and our experience within the international fine art market. These observations should be understood as professional opinions rather than definitive statements of fact or guarantees of authorship, attribution, date, origin, provenance or historical interpretation. As with all historic works of art, future documentary discoveries, technical examination, conservation analysis or advances in academic research may refine, expand or revise current interpretations. Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art. Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market. We are committed to offering collectors works of artistic and historical merit accompanied by transparent provenance research, detailed catalogue descriptions and professional, client-focused service. Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.