I’ve been wanting a pair of porcelain Staffordshire terriers for some time. Here’s a little history I’ve found…

Starting in the 1700’s, Stafford, England became known for its porcelain. The town was located close to the natural materials needed and by the late 1800’s, had become a world center for pottery. The dogs, made to resemble King Charles Cavalier Terriers, we’re found on fireplace mantels during Victorian times, from the 1840’s to the 1890’s. Queen Victoria and her husband brought the breed into popularity and had many in their own homes. These timeless accessories can be found in a variety of colors and sizes, whether authentic or reproduction.

I’m not a pottery expert, by any stretch of the imagination, although I trust my sources. How do you tell if a dog is truly old? According to Georgia Antiques, dogs from Stafford aren’t marked on the bottom. Other English potters did mark their dogs. They also say that the original dogs have no holes on the bottom and that some reproductions have holes as large as a quarter. Mine are not marked on the bottom and have either no or very small holes. br />

The smallest of the group, ($150) is supposed to be the oldest of the group. He has a very small chip on his perky nose, but I told him that was better than having a chip on his shoulder! Somewhere along the line, he lost his twin. As always, I try to buy things I would love to have in my own home and these certainly fulfill that requirement!

The Mes Amis antique show was wonderful. One display was better than the next.

In case you were wondering, I was focused on the old saw horses, with years of mortar dripping from every surface. It served as a wonderful display table base.

I love this big tarnished silver bowl. Doesn’t it look great with my pinecones?

Betsy, part of a darling mother and daughter selling team, sold this to me.

Ok, since you insist, here’s one last picture.

It’s nothing more than the top of a box, but I just love it. I also collected a stack of ironstone platters today! I hit “pay dirt” on these beauties! Silly me, I left them in the back seat of my friend’s car, so more photos will come later!

Dear Bob Mr. Wonderful, has been out in “the cave” as he calls it, most of the day. He is working on a counter height table on large casters, that could be used for a kitchen island. Until it sells, it will be used in the shop, for class space. What I think is really cool, is that the top is made of butcher block. Food grade butcher block. I think it’s going to turn out lovely.

I spent the afternoon painting the cabinet doors with chalk paint, at the future work-shop. Inside and out. Tomorrow, it will be the drawers and some waxing, after church.

Oh dear, I didn’t include a photo of the larger Stafforshire twins! ($325). Can’t have that! They appear to be in excellent condition.

Well, it’s been a long day! I’m “thrill tired” as my parents used to say. I should sleep well and I hope you do too!