Antique Stoneware Spaniel Dog TRIO - Macomb IL Illinois Pottery Doorstops x 3

Description: Up for sale is a very rare grouping of Midwestern (Illinois, specifically) stoneware / pottery / ceramic doorstops dating from the late 19th century into the early 20th century. It seems they were made from essentially the same mold at different iterations of the same pottery center, in Macomb. They're press-molded or slip cast in the form of a Staffordshire spaniel dog facing left, with wavy fur and an indistinct chain with locket attached to the collar. They share each of these overall details in common, but there are differences in construction including slight variation in the sizes, which is a result of different types of clay having different shrinkages during the firing. I will describe the trio separately below: 1) Brown "Albany slip" coated hollow dog. Very thick heavy gray clay with hollow inside, coated on the exterior and interior with thick light brown slip glaze, the base edge is unglazed and worn smooth. Two holes poked for nostrils, incised mouth, some remnants of old red painted detail in these areas. Almost perfect condition with no chips or cracks, but moderate wear including small round patchy scuffing/scratches at the rear shoulder and back, tail, front foot, and nose (remember, these are doorstops! Those high points are where the door slammed into the poor doggie... over and over.) A bit under 8 1/2" tall. 2) Black slip coated SOLID dog. Extremely heavy (this dog is over 4.75 pounds) and entirely solid. Whitish-gray clay, lighter than the other one's, and didn't take to the detail of the mold quite as well. He's a bit slumpy like his head got squished before the firing. Tough to make out details beneath the thick glaze too, but retains some red paint to the nostrils and mouth again. Very good condition with one wide, shallow chip to the underside and one small chip along the back base edge which has been crudely repainted/colored in. About 7 3/4" tall. 3) White "Bristol slip" coated dog on oval base. Made in two parts and then joined together before glazing and firing. Classic "true stoneware" clay, buff or tan color. The dog is hollow with unglazed interior and underside, and was put on top of a solid oval clay slab base which has a hole punched through it for ventilation to the dog's interior. There are four rough nubs by the dog's front feet, which I believe used to have a PUPPY on them, attached at the legs. Other Macomb dogs have this same feature, although the puppies must have been quite fragile and got lost quickly because I have never seen an example with a puppy still attached, and can't even find a picture of one. This dog has seen better days. It was in excellent condition when I bought it but due to an unfortunate accident it was subsequently broken in two pieces. Let's just say, I have two cats who must not have approved of a big stoneware dog in the home. It was a relatively clean break and the dog was able to be joined back together and crudely repainted/restored along the crack. The repair is pretty obvious though and would be a good candidate for professional work if you are inclined. Rare dog, worth the trouble in my opinion! It's 9 3/4" tall, and 7 1/4" wide across the base. Don't miss your chance to grab an instant collection of obscure Midwestern stoneware creatures. They look even better side by side than my pictures can convey. Satisfaction guaranteed, if you're not in love after handling them in person I'm happy to accept returns. Shipped via UPS Ground at buyer's expense, or pickup in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Please visit my 'Ebay Store' as I always have dozens of other items for sale - if you see something else you like, let me know and we can work out a deal and combine shipping! Be sure to "follow" or "save" me as a seller, that way you're the first to know when I add new listings :)

Price: 900 USD

Location: Staunton, Virginia

End Time: 2024-10-04T23:44:32.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD