Royal Doulton Irish Setter HN1056-Small Size

Royal Doulton Irish Setter HN1056, Small Size, standing 4 inches (10cm) tall, designed by Frederick Daws, issued 1931-1968. This charming small-size figurine captures Champion Pat O'Moy in rich reddish-brown bone china with high-gloss finish, showcasing the breed's distinctive mahogany coat and alert, joyful expression. Every detail conveys the Irish Setter's characteristic elegance and spirited personality.

The Irish Setter, affectionately known as the Red Setter or in Gaelic as "modder rhu" (red dog), originated in 18th-century Ireland as a specialized gundog. Early Irish sportsmen developed the breed—likely from setting spaniels crossed with English Setters, pointers, Gordon Setters, and various spaniels—to work Ireland's challenging terrain of mountains, bogs, moorland, and forests. These dogs were bred specifically for hunting upland gamebirds including grouse, partridge, pheasant, snipe, and woodcock across the island's vast expanses of heather

Frederick Daws created this figurine in 1931 as part of his celebrated Champion Dog series, capturing these magnificent Irish gundogs during their peak popularity both in the field and show ring. The small size remained in production until 1968, with medium (HN1055) and large (HN1054) sizes also available.

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 rich mahogany color and brilliant high-gloss finish that perfectly captures the Irish Setter's stunning coat.

Perfect for collectors of Royal Doulton dogs, Irish Setter enthusiasts, gundog history, sporting art, and anyone who appreciates the beauty and spirit of Ireland's most famous sporting breed.

This example is in mint condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs. The rich reddish-brown glaze is vibrant and lustrous, and the high-gloss finish remains perfect.