Circa: 19th century (probably 1879)
Origin: Staffordshire
Mark: segmented pie and impressed number 12
(note: the Seg Pie mark is cut into four sections)
Provenance:
Private Estate / Lincolshire

Condition: Good - as expected some crazing

A rare lustre bowl having to the centre a naval battle scene between the two ships; USS Bon Homme
Richard (Captained by John Paul Jones, formerly the Duc de Duras and originally an East Indiaman) and the
Serapis which took place in 1779. around the outside having a portrait of Scottish born American Commodore
John Paul Jones and the text 'First Admiral of the American Navy' - the bowl having rings of purple lustre to the top and botoom, scrolls, anchors etc...

7 inches (17.5 cm) dia X 3.25 inches (8 cm) Height

Note: Early in the 20th century Grays Pottery did a similar series, the lustre around the edges being completely different however the transfers being the same; if anyone can tell me if Grays acquired these orginal transfers from the original Staffordshire company.

On 23 September 1779, they encountered the Baltic Fleet of 41 sail under convoy of HMS Serapis and Countess of Scarborough near Flamborough Head. After
18:00 Bonhomme Richard engaged Serapis and a bitter engagement, the Battle of Flamborough Head, ensued during the next four hours that cost the lives of nearly
half the American and British crews. At first, a British victory seemed inevitable as the more heavily armed Serapis used its firepower to rake Bonhomme Richard
with devastating effect, killing Americans by the score. The Commanding Officer of Serapis then called on Jones to surrender, who replied, "Sir, I have not yet begun
to fight!" Jones eventually succeeded in lashing the two ships together, nullifying his opponent's greater maneuverability and attempting to take advantage of the
larger size and considerably greater crew of Bonhomme Richard. An attempt by the Americans to board Serapis was repulsed, as was an attempt by the British
to board Bonhomme Richard. Finally, after another of Jones's squadron joined in the fight (resulting in serious collateral damage aboard the Richard) the British captain surrendered at about 10:30 p.m. Bonhomme Richard, shattered, on fire, and leaking badly defied all efforts to save her and sank about 36 hours later at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, 25 September 1779. John Paul Jones sailed the captured Serapis to the United Provinces for repairs.
captain surrendered at about 10:30 p.m. Bonhomme Richard, shattered, on fire, and leaking badly defied all efforts to save her and sank about 36 hours later at
11:00 a.m. on Saturday, 25 September 1779. John Paul Jones sailed the captured Serapis to the United Provinces for repairs.
Though Bonhomme Richard sank subsequent to the battle, the outcome of the battle convinced the French crown of the wisdom of backing the colonies in their
fight to separate from British authority.

Antique Porcelain & Pottery
Antique Bowls