Have you ever seen a pair of Staffordshire dogs? I’m sure you have, as they are immensely popular and many faux Staffordshire dogs are widely available in stores today.
But, have you ever seen a pair of real antique Staffordshire cats? I have been slowly working on building up my collection of Staffordshire cats. The problem is though… they are pretty rare. And you know what that means. Rare = expensive.
 |
| I think these are from the 20th century, but they are my favorite. From a very good friend, given to me from her will. |
Staffordshire cats were manufactured in the 1740s-1960s in several different pottery factories in Staffordshire county, England. However, I only care about the ones made before 1900. The older, the better!
 |
| The oldest cat in my collection! Wish I had the pair. |
It is common that these figures are damaged… they are, after all, 150 years old! A little damage is okay, depending on the location. If it’s on the face it’s not worth as much.
 |
| my damaged one. She was $1. I’ll take it! |
So, how do you know you’re buying a fake one vs a real one? That takes an eye… and I think I may be fooled sometimes too! The fakes even include fake dirt! Can you believe it?
Below are 3 examples of cats from the 20th century. Notice how they just look a little different?
 |
| The matching pair piece to this one literally jumped off the shelf and broke. |
 |
| Notice the lighter blue color? Light blue = new. |
Now, let’s take a look at some other real antique Staffordshire cats!
 |
| Calico Cat from the 1850s. Picture from antiquepottery.co.uk |
 |
| Purple cats from Ebay. Sold for $400. |
 |
| Seated cat from the 1820s. Picture from antiquepottery.co.uk |
 |
| Cat and kitten from the 1840s. Picture from antiquepottery.co.uk |
 |
| Calico cat from the 1850s. From antiquepottery.co.uk |
 |
| Seated cat from the 1850s. Picture from antiquepottery.co.uk |
 |
| This cat is from the early 18th century. From antiques.com |
 |
| Seated cat, 1850s, from madalena.com |
 |
| Kitten and cat pair, mid 1800s, from millersguide.com |
 |
| Pair of RARE jackfield cats. I think from ebay.com. These go for $1000. |
So you ask yourself, how old is my Staffordshire?
1. Glass eyes were introduced in 1885.
2. If a printed mark is found on the bottom, it is most likely from the 20th century.
If there is a printed mark that says…
“Trade Mark” it is from after 1862.
“R N” 1883
“England” 1891 or after.
“Made in England” is from the 20th century.
Descriptive words like “genuine Staffordshire ware” are modern fake copies.
For more information on Staffordshire figurines in general, visit this website.
I’ve linked up with The Scoop! Visit Confessions of a Plate Addict blog, Tablescape Thursday at ‘Between Naps on the Porch’,Wow us Wednesdays!at Savvy Southern Style, Open House Party at no minimalist here, Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage,Seasonal Sundays & Oh the places I have been at The Tablescaper, andlife of the party at the grant life, and the style sisters, and ThursdayFavorite Things Blog Hop, and What’s it Wednesday?
I did not know about Staffordshire cats – just dogs. This is a very interesting post. Why are they in pairs? Either side of a fireplace?
Yes I believe they are in pairs to sit on the fireplace mantel.
Great post and so many different ones. I love them all. Thanks for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty
Was so excited and interested to read this.OH boy- I have one from My Great-Grandparents.I'm running over to the curio cabinet now to take one more peak 🙂
oh, now I'm curious too! I hope it is something good!
EEKS I need to follow You !
I couldn't find anywhere to follow You ? Are You not signed up with anything like Friends Connect by Google?
Hmm, I tried to set up Friends Connect but the website is down. I added my google+ link to the website. Stay tuned.
Oh my, the cats are even cuter than the dogs. I love these…I know what to add to my collection now. I really enjoyed this inspirational post. I would love it if you would share this post at our WIW linky party? Hope to see you there!
Paula
ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Don't think I've ever seen the cats. They are cute!
Thanks for being part of the Blog Hop.
– Alma, The Tablescaper
I've seen the Staffy kitties and these are so wonderful. I do collect Staffy dogs but I don't have any antique ones – can't afford them. 🙂 I even have a few fakes. Just love those dogs and cits.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 😉
i love Staffordshire dogs
but never new there were cats as well
very helpful info
on what to look for
would love for you to share
at Fridays Unfolded this week!
Alison
Nancherrow
I have always liked the dogs I didn't realize there were cats. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop . Big Hugs
Hello, Could you tell me if Staffordshire has made cats with heads that had been made separately and then applied to the body?
pmaher_art@yahoo.com
I have a single. Always looking for her mate. Any ideas?