A Staffordshire figure of a Begging Sailor - circa 1856
The Crimean War inspired many figures and the Staffordshire potters
loved our sailors. It is believed that during and after the war,
sailors who were on hard times would carry model boats
and have small children with them to get sympathy.
This marvellous figure is untitled.
Other versions can be found titled "Begging Sailor" or simply "Sailor".
One theory is that the public did not like the idea of our
sailors begging, so this was removed to make the figure more attractive.
One of the classic Staffordshire figures,
this example is a beauty.
The modelling and painting is superb,
look again at the quality faces and the detailed shirt,
it has brilliant colouring, the cobalt blue really glows,
there is a lovely full and clean glaze, the gilding is good and
some 150 years after its manufacture, it is very attractive.
The figure is in very good condition,
only a small chip on the corner of the boat
and there is no restoration.
Height: 16.25 inches
