Lot #111: Vintage Ceramic Dog Figurine "Little Pete"

These mid-century glazed china puppies had multiple uses. The original purpose was as a stamp licker; the felt "tail" was dipped in water & used to moisten stamps or envelope seals. It could also be used as an air freshener by dipping the tail in fragrance oils. In addition, the tail was removable and the hole in the back could be used to hold a pen or pencil. In the era of fountain pens, the felt tail was used as a pen wiper to wipe excess ink from a pen nib. These figurines often featured the dog with a red bone in its mouth as this one does. They were commonly made in Japan in the mid-20th century, although there is no mark to indicate this. No chips or cracks. Dimensions: 3.5" x 2" x 4" high Pickup category timeslot {A}