Updated Apr 23, 2008
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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.
Leaping Fawn
Horse
Spaniel with Ball
Leaping Fawn
Horse
Spaniel with Ball
Poodle
Squirrel
Poodle
(Tail Missing in photo)
Squirrel
English Animals
Set #2 Produced by Wade Ireland 1954.
Bull
Lamb
Kitten
Bull
Lamb
Kitten
Hare
Dachshund
Hare
Dachshund
English Country Animals
Set #3 Produced by the George Wade & Son Pottery 1955.
Badger
Fox Cub
Stoat
Badger
Fox Cub
Stoat
Shetland Pony
Retriever
Shetland Pony
Retriever
African Jungle Animals
Set #4 Produced by Wade Ireland 1955.
Lion
Crocodile
Monkey and Baby
Lion
Crocodile
Monkey and Baby
Rhinoceros
Baby Elephant
Rhinoceros
Baby Elephant
Horses
Set #5 Produced by the George Wade & Son Pottery 1956.
Mare
Foal
Colt
Mare
Foal
Colt
Beagle
Beagle
Polar Animals
Set #6 Produced by Wade Ireland 1956.
King Penguin
Husky
Polar Bear
King Penguin
Husky
Polar Bear
Baby Seal
Polar Bear Cub
Baby Seal
Polar Bear Cub
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.
Alsatian
West Highland Terrier
Corgi
Alsatian
West Highland Terrier
Corgi
Boxer
Saint Bernard
Boxer
Saint Bernard
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.
Bactrian Camel
Cockatoo
Giant Panda
Bactrian Camel
Cockatoo
Giant Panda
Lion Cub
Llama
Lion Cub
Llama
North American Animals
Set #9 Produced by the George Wade & Son Pottery 1958.
Snowy Owl
Raccoon
Grizzly Bear
Snowy Owl
Raccoon
Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Cub
Cougar
Grizzly Cub
Cougar
Farm Animals
Set #10 Produced by Wade Ireland 1959.
Pig
Italian Goat
Foxhound
Pig
Italian Goat
Foxhound
Shire Horse
Swan
Shire Horse
Swan
 
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