Royal Doulton English Setter HN1051-Small Size

Royal Doulton English Setter HN1051, Small Size, standing 4 inches (10cm) tall, designed by Frederick Daws, issued 1931-1968. This elegant small-size figurine captures Champion Maesydd Mustard, immortalized in the distinctive belton pattern—two shades of gray with touches of black against a bright white coat. The detailing is exquisite, showcasing the breed's characteristic flowing coat, alert stance, and three-tone eyes that convey both the realistic appearance and tremendous personality of this celebrated gundog.

The English Setter represents one of the oldest and most distinguished gundog breeds, with origins tracing back to 14th-century England as a descendant of the "setting spaniel." The breed's name derives from its distinctive hunting behavior—upon detecting game birds, these dogs would "set" by crouching low to the ground with a lifted paw, silently indicating the bird's location to hunters. In earlier times before firearms, this allowed hunters to spread nets over both dog and quarry. When guns became common, the setters adapted to pointing while standing, though some dogs still crouch in the traditional manner

The small size (HN1051) was produced continuously until 1968, with a medium size (HN1050) remaining in production until 1985. Each piece was hand-made in bone china at the Burslem factory in Staffordshire and individually hand-decorated by skilled painters, requiring multiple firings to achieve the characteristic high-gloss finish and precise belton spotting.

Perfect for collectors of Royal Doulton dogs, English Setter enthusiasts, gundog history, sporting art, and anyone who appreciates the elegant beauty of one of Britain's most distinguished hunting breeds.

This example is in mint condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. The distinctive belton pattern is beautifully hand-painted, the flowing coat details are crisp, and the high-gloss glaze remains perfect.