This is an interesting antique coin bank or money box - it dates to the end of the 19th century.
The bank is made of ceramic / earthenware - and was made in one of the Staffordshire potteries. It takes the form of a little fireside spaniel or "Wally Dug". Originally - you would have had two full size spaniel dogs on each side of your mantlepiece - and these were very popular with the Victorians. This is a quirky play on these models.
These little spaniel dog banks are much more difficult to find.
This wee fellow displays well - and is in a fairly good condition commensurate with age and use.
He is white in colour - his old gilding on the front has been worn away with handling over many years and of course commensurate with antique examples.
He has a little black muzzle with yellow painted eyes - and two arched black eyebrows.
The slot to put the money in is on top of his head.
Sadly - there has been a little bit of fritting around the slot and a minor hairlines near the slot on top of the wee fellow's head. This is commensurate with age and in the past folk popping a slim blade into the slot to try and fish out the coins inside - we have all been there! . The couple of very tiny chips near the slot have been restored. I have taken close up images of these areas for your inspection - they look fine in "real life". Apart from the issues mentioned above - no other damages or nasty chips etc. He remains a rarer item and looks good on display.
Often these banks were smashed completely to get the money out - so they have become quite rare.
Dimensions: about 4 3/4 inches wide. Height: 3 3/4 inches and depth is 3 inches at the widest point.
He is priced here to take the condition issues with his slot into consideration - this remains a most fair price for this quirky antique savings bank.
UK Postage will be with Royal Mail Small Parcel (Recorded Delivery). This will be applied to your order at the checkout.