The Dog, c. 1880 Staffordshire Hand-colored Transferware Alphabet Plate gift for art student Some toning around the labels

Some toning around the labels

both given to a miss Dorothy long ago--the one with honey bees opening to reveal a handwritten poem inside

match box 2 1/2” x 1 1/2” x 1 1/4”

including a bit of paint loss along the top right edge where a second word is written in large pencil letters and a little roughness at lower right—but to me that doesn't matter a bit

I believe these blocks are from at least two different sets

The Dog, c. 1880 Staffordshire Hand-colored Transferware Alphabet Plate gift for art student Some toning around the labelsYou know I love an alphabet, and a piece of antique transferware made for a child, and I really love how the hand painting on this dog makes him look shaggy, and really a bit wild! (I also like that the text reads not just "dog" but "THE Dog.") C. 1880s I believe. 7 5 16 d and in excellent antique condition.