Archive review: This retrospective assessment uses surviving Hirst & Hirst records and contemporary press material. It is not a claim that the product is currently stocked or newly tested.
What was it?
This solar-powered corgi-style dog moved its head or paw in light. A local magazine selected it from Hirst & Hirst’s Jubilee gift range in June 2012 and recorded a price of £10.99.
Design and usefulness
The appeal is character rather than sophistication. The hidden solar mechanism gives movement without batteries, while the rounded wooden-toy styling makes the product less plasticky than many novelty desk toys.
What worked
- Battery-free movement in good light
- Compact desk size
- Strong period and Jubilee context
- Documented original price
Points to consider
- Movement depends on light levels
- Mechanism may not survive long storage
- Maker and materials are not confirmed
Buying or collecting one today
Test the solar panel under bright natural light and listen for a strained mechanism. A non-working example has decorative rather than functional value.
Hirst & Hirst verdict
Unashamedly silly, but a good example of the shop’s talent for finding conversation-starting gifts.
Primary archive source: view the surviving Hirst & Hirst record.
Archive & sourcing note
Retrospective archive review. Hirst & Hirst no longer sells this product and has not retested a current example.
View the surviving Hirst & Hirst archive source (opens original archive).