Both of these dogs are marked number “3” on their bottoms, indicating their 9-inch heights. Similar dogs are illustrated in Clive Mason Pope’s “A-Z of Staffordshire Dogs: A Potted History.” Figure 22 shows a complete set of this type of comforter spaniel in sizes ranging from one to six, but in red and white. On the next page, figure 27 shows a black and white pair of the same model, but in the number “2” size. Pope dates them to around 1850. As per Victorian tastes, one dog is slightly larger than the other, denoting male from female.

The condition of this pair is excellent, especially for their age. They were early out of their molds, so their fur is well pronounced. There is a thick blue glaze that has helped protect them over the years. On the right-side dog are some faint age lines that probably occurred during firing. There also is a small bit of overpainting on one link of the dog that may have covered a burst bubble. On the left-hand dog, there is some wear to the chain. On its rear side there is a kiln effect near the bottom.

This is a beautiful quality pair of spaniels that have been together for some 170 years.