Standing Pegleg Sailor

Stock No: 001825

Height: 8.25 Inches / 21 cm

Reference: (I have noted one other example in The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London)

Price: (RESERVED)

This extraordinary early 19th-century Staffordshire pottery figure presents a captivating depiction of a ‘Peg Leg’ sailor, showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship characteristic of this period. The figure is skillfully designed, standing confidently atop a square mound base that is beautifully decorated with intricate relief moulding, which enhances its overall aesthetic appeal.

The sailor is attired in garments typical of the nautical fashion of the time, carefully fashioned to reflect the era’s unique style. He dons a tared hat that sits jauntily on his head, a loose-collared shirt that is fastened with a dapper necktie, and a short, buttoned jacket that is intentionally left slightly unfastened at the front. His trousers fall just above his sturdy boot, completing the ensemble with a maritime flair. The figure’s posture conveys a sense of character and bravado; his right arm is posed confidently on his hip, while his left arm, intriguingly, vanishes into the depths of his jacket, inviting curiosity about what it might hold.

Crafted with a pearlware glaze, this figure boasts a rich and vibrant decoration achieved through the use of overglaze enamel colours, which not only enhance the visual interest of the piece but also reflect the artistry prevalent in Staffordshire pottery during the early 1800s. The colours are likely representative of the sailor’s backstory, which is further hinted at by an old label attached to the underside of the figure. This label suggests that the sailor might have been a servant to the esteemed Admiral Lord Nelson, specifically named James Wall. However, historical investigations into this claim have yet to uncover any records of a servant by that name, adding an intriguing layer of mystery surrounding the character depicted in this figure.

One particularly distinctive feature of the sailor is the simulation of facial hair, a detail that is notably rare for figurines from this era. This artistic choice may imply an intention to capture the likeness of a particular individual, suggesting that the figure might represent more than just an archetypal sailor but rather a specific personage imbued with the cultural narrative of the time.

In summary, this pegleg sailor figure stands not only as a remarkable example of early 19th-century craftsmanship but also as a vessel of storytelling, encompassing the intriguing blend of artistry and historical curiosity that makes it a fascinating artifact worthy of admiration.

Current condition: Professional repair at neck. overglaze enamel touches to base.