Antique Staffordshire Spill Vase of Greyhounds

A delightful 19th Century Staffordshire spill holder of group of two greyhounds, possibly McGrath and Pretender. These two greyhounds were much celebrated in the 1860s/1870s for their winning performances. McGrath won the Waterloo Cup on three occasions, 1868, 1869 and 1871, and was the first greyhound to do so. Spill vases and flatbacks were often styled/modelled on famous (or infamous!) figures of the time from politicians and actors to military men and the royals. To have a vase depicting two great sporting heroes (albeit canine) would fit this trend but is also a little more unusual given that they were dogs! Although the colours are not an exact match for McGrath this would not be unusual as the decorators were unlikely to have read a description (often being illiterate) and colour photos were some way off! These inaccuracies can be seen clearly in other models of the time such as zebras that were made from horse moulds with flowing manes and simply painted with stripes! A great survivor of its time and a wonderful historic piece in excellent antique condition (please carefully avail yourself of all photos provided). Provenance: Property of a respected collector, amassed over the last 50 years.