First Whimsies

The
First Whimsies were produced following the end of the rebuilding boom after
World War II in an effort to keep the potteries producing. The potteries
were very experienced with making the small industrial and electrical pieces
and it was decided to try making small miniatures for the collectables market.
The Whimsies, introduced in 1954 at the British Industries Fair, were
originally designed for children to purchase with their "pocket money".
Now some pieces in the series can fetch over $200 in perfect condition.
The series was in production from 1954-1961 and a total of 10 sets were
produced. All sets contained five pieces with the exception of set five
- the Horse Set which contains 4 pieces. All the pieces were modelled by
William Harper. The odd number sets were produced by the George Wade &
Son Pottery and the even numbered sets were produced by the Wade Ireland
Pottery.
English
Animals
Set #1 Produced by the George Wade & Son Pottery 1954.
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Poodle
(Tail Missing in photo)
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English Animals
Set #2 Produced by Wade Ireland 1954.
English Country Animals
Set #3 Produced by the George Wade & Son Pottery 1955.
African Jungle Animals
Set #4 Produced by Wade Ireland 1955.
Horses
Set #5 Produced by the George Wade & Son Pottery 1956.
Polar Animals
Set #6 Produced by Wade Ireland 1956.
Pedigree Dogs
Set #7 Produced by the George Wade & Son Pottery 1957. Two versions
of the Saint Bernard have been found. One version has one parallel ridge
across the barrel and the other has two vertical ridges on the barrel.
Zoo Animals
Set #8 Produced by Wade Ireland 1957. There are two different models of
Giant Panda - a smaller and larger size. The smaller one is thought to belong
to this set while the larger model might have been proposed for a seperate
commission. The larger model may have also been placed in the boxed sets
to be used up.
North American Animals
Set #9 Produced by the George Wade & Son Pottery 1958.
Farm Animals
Set #10 Produced by Wade Ireland 1959.