~ Royal Doulton Whyte & Mackay Buzzard Whisky Container ~
This is one of a series of birds of prey made on commission for whisky manufacturers by Royal Doulton.
This very attractive buzzard is made after an original 1979 design by John G. Tongue for Royal Doulton. It was originally used as a novelty container for Scotch Whisky produced by the Whyte & Mackay Co. of Scotland. This piece is modelled in good detail to show the texture of the various types of feather and the log on which the bird is standing.
The rim is unglazed, revealing the underlying ceramic body to be off – white in colour. There is a black transfer print, which reads `BUZZARD WHYTE & MACKAY SCOTCH WHISKY GLASGOW, SCOTLAND MODELLED BY JOHN G TONGUE 1979 ROYAL DOULTON’.
~ Dimensions ~
The bird has a height of 7 inches (17.75cm). The base measures 3 inches (7.5cm) by 3 inches. It weighs 255g.
~ Condition ~
The bird is in excellent condition, with no chips or cracks. It is empty but the plastic stopper is in place.