Staffordshire Theatrical figure of Sailor ‘Ben Backstay’, c. 1850
$145.00 AUD
Staffordshire Theatrical figure of a sailor, depicting ‘Ben Backstay’, dancing a jig with straw hat in one hand, a ‘money bag’ or handkerchief held aloft, set against a greenish hedge back support.
Circa 1850
23cm high
Condition: Several areas of re-touched glaze, no actual breaks but multiple areas where glaze has been lost ie. tip of nose, knuckles, hat, large area at back of his collar overpainted. Displays well.
Ben Backstay was the subject of an 18th century sailor’s sea shanty, turned into a stage show in the early 19th century. It tells the tale of Ben Backstay, an angry Botswain who wrought havoc on the sailors under his watch – and his demise due to drink by the end of it!
Ref. Harding bk 1, fig 1107 for a variation of this same figure.
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