Admiral Rodney pottery commemorative tankard antique period late 18th century Staffordshire

Dated: 1782 Staffordshire England

A fine and rare version of an Admiral Rodney tankard, creamware bodied pottery with green and brown glazes. The head of the admiral is characterfully modelled with a decorative band at the rim with arms of war in relief. There is good attention to detail and the tankard has a rope twist handle to complete the naval themes.The base is impressed "Rodney". Rodney was famous for his victory over the French at the Battle of the Saints in 1782; the final naval battle of the American War of Independence. This piece is a likely commemorative of this event.

Dimensions: 6.25 inches high, 7 inches wide, 4.5 inches long

Current Condition: Fine condition with no restoration.

Literature: The engagement with the French fleet on April 9 led up to Rodney's crowning victory at the Battle of the Saintes off Dominica, when on 12 April with thirty-five sail of the line he defeated the Comte de Grasse, who had thirty-three sail. The French inferiority in numbers was more than counterbalanced by the greater size and superior sailing qualities of their ships, yet five were taken and one sunk, after eleven hours' fighting. This important battle saved Jamaica and ruined French naval prestige, while it enabled Rodney to write: "Within two little years I have taken two Spanish, one French and one Dutch admirals."

£2650    $3577