Unusual Antique 19th Century Staffordshire Figural Pottery Whistle Nesting Bird

Description: A glazed Staffordshire pottery figural whistle in the form of a nesting bird. The bird is sitting or laying on a round base that looks like a tree trunk and represents what we believe a nest. The brown base has green coloring on top which is apparent around the bird's body. The bird is white in color with outlined eyes, beak, wings and tail. The wings have remnants of green coloring and the entire bird seems to have lost most of its original coloring. There is a hole in the center of the bird's back. The bird's tail has an extension which is the mouth piece of the whistle. The extension has two holes, a small one on the edge (the mouth piece) and a larger one on top near the edge. When you blow in the small hole at the end the whistle works. A great old piece to add to your collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.

Date: Unknown, but we believe the piece was made in mid to late 1800s.

Origin: Staffordshire England.

Size: The base measures ~1 1/2" by ~1", and the piece is ~2 1/2" long and ~2 5/8" high. The whistle weighs about two and half ounces.

Maker: Unknown.

Marks: No markings.

Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is an antique very unusual whistle. Remember this was a child's toy 150 years ago, it is a wonder that it is still in one piece. This is why these are very rare. A great whistle which is beautiful, solid and in great shape after being around for over 150 years. It would make a great addition to your collection.

Condition: Whistle is in very good condition given its age and its utilitarian function. It has no hairlines, breaks, or chips. It would appear that there is an old repair right at the edge of the mouth piece (see small spot of different color pottery at the edge of the mouth piece) which we believe represents an old repair to a break at that spot. The piece appears to have lost a lot of its original coloring as evidenced by the green coloring still on the wings and spots of various coloring throughout the entire piece. Be that as it may, this is a great old figural whistle to add to your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.