African Sal

Stock No: 001487

Height:  4 Inches / 10 cm

Reference: Similar to Myrna Schkolne Staffordshire Figures 1780-1840 Volume 2, Page 76, Fig 56.3

Price: £575.00

A previously unrecorded diminutive figure of African Sal, (after the Derby figure, see last illustration) standing on a gilt lined round base with her arms on hips and dancing, wearing a head scarf, open short sleeved dressing blouse, and skirt. This figure to my knowledge is one of only a few known Staffordshire example to be recorded, it is made of porcelaneous material rather than earthenware, c1830-40, possibly by the Lloyd’s of Shelton, it is in mint perfect original condition with no damage, repairs, or restoration, a very rare figure indeed.

Pierce Egan‘s ‘Life in London‘ includes characters named African Sal and Bob. There is an engraving in the book, illustrated by George and Robert Cruikshank , it shows the couple dancing. The stage adaptation transformed the two characters into African Sal and Dusty Bob when it first came to the stage in 1821, also named ‘Tom and Jerry,’ the dance that they performed became the highlight of the show, this was undoubtedly the inspiration for the Staffordshire potters creation. I have included an illustration of the two Derby versions as a reference only.