Let's talk about Antique Dog Collars.

Lavishing custom-made collars on pets isn't a new phenomenon.
Owners have been doing it for centuries.

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English brass engraved dog collar, 1733
The inscription reads: "Silas Shepley,
Bullock Smithy Barmhall
If I shou'd miss or lose my way,
kind friend direct me right I pray."
(Apparently, lost dogs aren't a new problem.)



This pet owner definitely had a sense of humor:

"I am John Garner's Dog, Whose Dog are You?
Steal me not, myself and collar,
Puppies should befriend each other,
We both are barely worth a dollar,
Send me back, then, dearest brother."

This 19th century brass link collar measures 26" in length and
the tag is 2" high.  It is inscribed: T.C.Loveridge and the name
"Duchess."  Not only is it an unusual collar, it includes the
original set of keys for the lock.

I was shocked to see this next collar
but it actually had a humane purpose:

It's a 17th century boar hunting collar.  The spikes
prevented wild hogs from 'going for the throat.'
And it was worn only during hunts.


This collar couldn't have been very comfortable:

 It measures almost 3" high but is only 4¼" long!

Quite succinct tag: "Sidney Williams, Dentist, Walsall"

Again, for throat protection, "Patch" wore a copper spiked dollar:

At least the spikes are turned away from his body
but imagine how heavy that lock  must have been.


Here's an 18th century brass spiked collar:

 It's engraved: "Tho. Parkinson, Esq., Lancaster"
Pretty sure that Lancaster is the owner's town, not the dog's name.  Not
only is it rare due to the age and good condition, it's also adjustable.


For being over 200 years old, this iron and
brass collar is in remarkable condition:

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Although it appears large, it's actually small,
measuring 7" in diameter and 2" high.  


Supposedly the Chinese invented the concept of a lap dog but the French
certainly took it to new heights.  Take a look at these sterling silver collars:

Even French leather collars were spectacular:

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A 19th century studded British 'working dog' collar:

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Not only are antique dog collars an interesting type of collectible,
they're also very lucrative.  This Victorian collar recently brought
almost $800 at auction.  Keep your eyes 'pealed' the next time
you're at the flea market and sniff out a treasure!