Antique Staffordshire Poodle, Likely Late 19th to Early 20th century, Gilt Collar & Padlock

A Staffordshire poodle from likely the late 1800s, made in the Potteries when nearly every English mantel held a pair of pottery dogs keeping watch. The coat is "coleslaw", wet clay pushed through a sieve to build up those curls by hand, one of the harder textures to get right and the reason these poodles have always been scarcer than their smooth-coated spaniel cousins. Gilt collar, small padlock at the throat, hand-painted eyes gone soft amber with age. The crazing across the glaze is the century showing itself, not a flaw.

He was made to sit at one end of a mantel and hold the room. He still does. Put him on a stack of old books beside a mirror, or let him stand alone on a shelf where the light can find the gilt.

One dog, sold singly. Some wear to the gilding consistent with age, noted honestly in the photos.

Each piece is vintage or antique and has lived a life before finding its way to Tallmadge Ave; natural signs of age, wear, patina, and imperfections are part of its character and are to be expected. All pieces are sold as-is, and any notable condition issues are described in the product listing. That said, if it arrives damaged or isn't as described, we'll refund you in full, including shipping — since each piece is one of a kind, we can't simply send a replacement. Otherwise, returns are accepted within 14 days of delivery. Questions any time at christine@tallmadgeave.com — we're a two-person shop, and we answer.