Shield with Yorkshire Terrier
No example of this needle case has been found to date and it is unknown whether it was actually produced. If you have this needle
case in your possession or know of someone who has it, please contact us so that photographs of it can be
obtained and added to the this website.
Design Representation
Design Details
Needle Case Type: |
Figural |
Patent/Registered to: |
Thomas Kendrick - Birmingham |
Patent/Design Representation #: |
Ornamental Class 1: Metal: #270222 (Provisional Design #1046 dated February 7, 1872) |
Patent/Design Registration Date: |
February 6, 1873 |
Location of Patent/Design Registration: |
The National Archives (TNA) - Kew, UK |
Reference #:
|
TNA Representation - BT 43/33/270222
TNA Register - BT 44/3/270222 |
Dimensions: |
Unknown |
Material: |
Unknown |
Name Variations: |
Unknown |
Other Variations: |
Unknown |
Facts
The terrier breeds of dog originated in Great Britain and Ireland where they were working dogs used to hunt rats, rabbits and foxes.
The Yorkshire Terrier is said to have been breed in the mid-19th century from dogs brought down with workers from Scotland when they sought
work in the cotton and wool mills of Yorkshire. It is thought that among these breeds was the Skye Terrier. The Paisley Terrier
a smaller version of the Skye Terrier with very long silky hair was also breed into these early “Yorkies”. For convenience the coat of
the Yorkshire Terrier is usually clipped but for showing purposes it is left long, parted down the back and allowed to reach the ground.
History
Prior to the 19th century dogs were primarily considered as work animals being gun dogs, hunters either in packs or individually like the
terriers, or for herding other animals. In the Victorian era the way dogs were viewed changed with dogs being valued also for their
general appeal. Queen Victoria had a number of pet dogs of several breeds. Among her pets were Skye Terriers. Some of these
beloved pets, Cairnach, Islay and Dot, were painted by notable artists of the day. Like so many other instances following her royal
patronage, dog ownership of pets, especially certain breeds, became popular across the classes as affluence increased. This popularity
and the new enthusiasm for competitively showing of dogs drove purity of breeding to establish the distinct breeds.
Miscellaneous
Perhaps the best known terrier of all is Greyfriars Bobby. Victorians were charmed by the story of this little dog that was said to
have loyally stayed by the grave of his dead master for 14 years in the Grayfriars Kirkyard in Old Edinburgh until his death in 1872. A
life sized statue was erected on a drinking fountain to honour his memory in 1873. More recently a granite stone with the inscription
“Greyfriars Bobby – Died 14 January 1872 – Aged 16 years – Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all” was placed on Bobby’s grave by
the Dog Aid Society of Scotland. Several books and films have been produced based on this touching tale. Some doubts have been
aired on the authenticity of the story of Bobby but many people prefer to think it true.
Note: Right side panel text and photos provided by Lynda Herrod.
