Roullet Decamp Dog, 1800s, Antique
Ilford, United Kingdom
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Other Wood
Style
Antique, French Antiques
Product Details
Description
An authentic and well aged 19th century example of what has come to be a rare collectors item. In the form of a Roullet Decamp growling dog toy. With full working pull chain growling mechanism still in fine working order. The head is still and does not nod. Stood on wooden wheels (rear right one missing) with aged damage as you can see in the photos provided. Original glass eyes still in place with its neck collar and furry collar.
The first “Growlers” appeared in 1880s France. Following the ban on bloodsports such as bull baiting in the UK in 1835, a great number of Bulldogs who were then ‘unemployed’ were exported from England to France and after some selective breeding which decreased their size and improved their temperament, the French Bulldog emerged as a breed and was extremely popular both in France and in the UK with well to do and ‘society’ families. The popularity of the breed led to these almost life sized and very life like toys being made in great numbers. After all, if one couldn’t obtain a French Bulldog, the next best thing was a French Bulldog toy. Various different designs were created but they were all instantly recognisable.
Typically, the body of the Growler from the neck down is a single piece of papier-mâché, attached to a papier-mâché head with a hinged jaw and glass eyes. The feet have wooden castors half-embedded, and a chain from the Growler’s neck allows it to be pulled along a hard surface like a dog on a leash. The chain disappears into the back of the Growler’s neck and connects to an internal mechanism so that when the chain is pulled, the dog’s head moves, its mouth opens, and it emits a growl or bark.
The joint between the head and neck is concealed by a wide black badger-hair fringed collar. These collars were almost ubiquitous on real French Bulldogs of the era (and up to the early 1930’s) and were ‘fashionable’ representations of the badger or boar hair collars worn by their earlier “working” Bulldog ancestors as fighting collars so that the stiff hair would provide some protection for the neck if attacked. Although most of the early French Bulldogs were not working dogs, it was apparently fashionable for them to still wear the authentic badger-hair collar, and the papier-mâché toys followed the convention.
The outside of the body and head is covered in a ‘plush’ coating to approximate the look and feel of the short hair of the breed.
Size: Hand – H 11” x W 18” x D 7”
Origin: France (Paris)
Date: 19th Century
Condition: Aged
Condition report:
Aged naturally over time, this is a well use and old object made from fragile material so please expect this to reflect in the condition of the item. This is solid and firmly in place with no loose sections. The feet with one rear wheel missing and superficial repaired cracks as shown. The leather strap is original with a small tear that DOES NOT affect it in anyway. The surface shows signs of wear with areas of missing painted detail. There is a small, stable dent on the rear right-hand side that appears to be aged. The growling mechanism works and sound fine, but the head does not bob up and down as its stuck. Original glass eyes firmly in place also. The old dogs still got some life left in him yet.
Wear Condition
Good
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Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
Yes
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Reviews
5.0
Based on 3 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
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14-day return guarantee
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| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
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| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
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| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
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| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
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