Staffordshire Pottery Terrier figure, 'Billy the rat catcher'

Victorian, circa 1860. 6.3ins high, 4.7ins wide, 2ins depth. Staffordshire Pottery figure which features a terrier, with rats lying on the ground below, stood on an oblong base. Dull gilt base line and embellishment.

Flatback, decorated only to the front.

Vent hole to the underside.

This piece represents Billy the rat catcher, a dog that is said to have killed 100 rats in less than 6 minutes. This was a popular sport amongst the poor during the 1800s. Book reference ,'Victorian Staffordshire Figures 1835-1875' Book 2, by A.& N. Harding, page 228, figure 2809/2810.

Condition

Good. Small flake to base of tail at reverse.

KILN EFFECTS: a few small glaze misses to the front of the base;

a small piece kiln detritus caught in the glaze to terrier's face;

firing hole to base of tail at reverse.

RESTORATION: Stabilised and retouched hairline to terrier's front right leg and shrinkage line to reverse of base.

Retouched flake to left ear.

Filled chips to base.

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