Antique c1880 Austrian Cold Painted White Metal Miniature Pair of Dachshunds

A highly charming late 19th-century cold-painted metal figure group, modelled as a pair of miniature dachshunds standing closely together. Dating to around c1880–1900, the piece is very much in the Austrian and continental cold-painted animalier tradition, where small white-metal and spelter figures were carefully painted by hand to create lively, characterful decorative objects.

The two dogs are beautifully animated, one shown in a warm tan coat and the other in black and tan, each with alert glassy eyes, long bodies, short legs, pointed tails and expressive faces. The modelling captures the distinctive personality of the dachshund: loyal, watchful, slightly comic and full of character. The way the two dogs stand together gives the piece extra charm, almost like a small domestic portrait rather than a simple animal ornament.

The cold-painted surface is one of the main attractions. The tan dog retains warm brown and golden tones, with darker modelling to the ears, collar and tail, while the black dog has a deeper coat with tan chest, muzzle and leg detail. Minor age-related wear is present, with some small chips and losses to the original cold-painted surface, mainly on raised areas such as the ears, noses, paws, tails and body edges. The figures still present very well, retaining strong colour, charm and character.

Cold-painted animal figures of this type were especially popular in Vienna and across central Europe during the late 19th and early 20th century. Better examples were prized for their humour, realism and careful hand finishing. Dachshunds were a particularly suitable subject, being strongly associated with continental Europe and fashionable domestic life, as well as hunting and sporting culture.

The group is cast in white metal, with good sculptural detail to the fur, collars, faces and paws. The underside shows the metal body and old surface wear from handling and display. The piece has the pleasing weight and tactile quality expected from a small antique metal animal figure.

A delightful and very collectable miniature dog figure, with strong appeal to collectors of cold-painted Austrian-style animals, dachshund memorabilia, Victorian novelty objects and antique dog sculpture. The pair format gives it considerably more interest than a single dog, and the surviving original paint gives the piece a warm, characterful presence.

Size: c. W 11cm x 6cm

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