Rare 19thc. Staffordshire Watchholder of Gelert, Wolf and Prince Llewelyn's song in cradle.  Gelert the name of the hound given by King John to Prince Llewelyn.  Beddgelert a village at the foot of Snowden, means a grave of Gelert.  In the 13thc. Prince Llewelyn of N.Wales had a palace at Beddgelert, one day he went hunting without Gelert who was unaccountably absent.  On Llewelyn's return, Gelert greeted his master with blood smeered over his body.  The Prince alarmed hastened to find his son and saw the infants cot empty, the bedclothes and floor covered with blood.  The frantic father plunged his sword into Gelert's side thinking he had killed his son and heir.  The dog's dying yell was answered by a child's cry.  Llewelyn searched and discovered his son unharmed but nearby lay the body of a mighty wolf which Gelert had slain.  The Prince filled with remorse is said never to have smiled again. He buried his trusted hound and thereafter the village is called Beddgelert.  
Height: 10.25"
circa 1850
Condition: No damage
Ref # 5133 - £395