RARE 1930\'s Signed D. P. Tyson Bronze Spaniel Dog Sculpture Gorham Co. Foundry
When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
RARE 1930\'s Signed D. P. Tyson Bronze Spaniel Dog Sculpture Gorham Co. Foundry:
$429.95
This is an extremely rare bronze spaniel dog sculpted by the famous engraver Dorsey Potter (\"Petey\") Tyson. It was produced in the early 1930\'s by the Gorham Co. Foundry in New York and is fully signed and marked on the dog\'s belly.
It was extremely difficult to track down the sculptor of this little spaniel but the dog reminded me of the Marguerite Kirmse bronze Scottish Terrier series, so that was the starting point. Marguerite Kirmse was not only a famous etcher, known for her charming engravings of her dogs (Scotties, Field Spaniels, Cairns and other breeds which she nurtured at her estate in Connecticut), but she was also an accomplished sporting dog breeder, exhibitor and later an American Kennel Club judge for several Terrier breeds. Her husband was also an AKC judge and at one time, had been the President of the Scottish Terrier Club of America. Tyson, a very famous and accomplished engraver known for his Japanesque engravings, was also involved in the dog world with his Cocker Spaniels, Sussex Spaniels and Field Spaniels. The AKC breeds in the 1920\'s and 1930\'s were somewhat different than they are today, with some breeds being divided into \"new\" breeds based on colors (like the Cocker), coat type (like the Daschund), etc.
Why this long story about the dog world? Well, I\'ve been involved in the dog world for a while and couldn\'t figure out the type of spaniel that was represented by this fabulous bronze figurine, nor who \"Tyson\" could be, until I remembered that the breeds were different back then. So, I consulted archival copies of AKC Board minutes and found out that the same year Marguerite Kirmse was approved to judge Cairn Terriers, Dorsey Potter Tyson was approved to judge some spaniel breeds. Due to his friendship with Kirmse, both being artists and dog fanciers, he was introduced to the Gorham Foundry to create this bronze dog in the early 1930\'s. Miss Kirmse\'s Scotties were produced in the late 1920\'s.
As to the actual type of spaniel? My best guess is that this is a Sussex Spaniel. Why? Tyson\'s etchings, although produced here, were mostly sold in England. The Sussex foundation stock were in England, so he must have brought his dogs back from England to raise and show here. It could be an English cocker but the broad nose leads me to believe it is a Sussex. If any ers can confirm this, please do let me know.
I have not seen another bronze dog like this and I don\'t know if Tyson did a series fo dogs like Kirmse did. She only had 30 of each of her 4 Scottie sculptures produced (plus a great set of bookends), so they are very rare, as well. This week, we are fortunate to be listing two of the four figurines, that we recently acquired.
The sculpting on this spaniel is impeccable. You can see how the coat lies on her body, the fringe on her tail and the set of her eyes. I haven\'t compared her conformation to the AKC standard from the 1930\'s and will do that if I get some time later on. She stands about 1 and 7/8\" tall and is about 3.5\" long from nose to tail. There are no cracks, chips, repairs. Just an amazing small bronze sculpture for the collector.
Our items are vintage or antique and are sold \"as is.\" Please ask all questions before purchasing as we do not take returns. We are always happy to answer your questions about our listings to the best of our ability and to provide additional photos, if needed. We only accept Paypal and only ship to Paypal confirmed street addresses (absolutely no PO Boxes, please). No international buyers/shipping and no third party buyers, please. We only ship USPS Priority Mail and this rare bronze will be shipped insured. An adult signature will be required upon delivery.
We are listing many unique and interesting antique and vintage finds this week and if you have a few moments, please have a browse through our other listings. Thanks for stopping by and happy shopping!
RARE 1930\'s Signed D. P. Tyson Bronze Spaniel Dog Sculpture Gorham Co. Foundry:
$429.95