Can Of Grog Staffordshire Creamware Mug c1790

Description

Heading : Can Of Grog Staffordshire Creamware Mug c1790
Date : 1780-1800
Period : George III
Marks : None
Origin : Staffordshire
Colour : Printed and hand coloured with polychrome enamels
Pattern : Depicts colourfully attired sailors, one seated with his mug set within an oval cartouche abobe three verses of a song by Charles Didbin ( see below)
Condition : A burst bubble in the glazejust below the rim. Some fine crazing
Restoration : None
Dimensions : Handle to rim diameter 12.5cm x 13.3cm, Height 13.1cm
Weight : 282g

When up the shrouds the sailor goes,  And ventures on the yard, The Landsman he no better knows, Believes his lot is hard,  Bold Jack with smiles each danger meets, Weighs anchor, heaves the log, Trims all the sails belays the sheets, And drinks his cann of grog.

If to engage they give the word, To quarters he’ll repair, Bold Jack with smiles each danger meets, Weighs anchor, heaves the log, Trims all the sails belays the sheets, And drinks his cann of grog.

When waves gainst rocks & quicksands roar, You nee’r hear him repine, Tho he’s on Greenland’s icy shore, Or burning in the line, Bold Jack with smiles each danger meets,Weighs anchor heaves the log, Trims all the sails belays the sheets , And drinks his cann of grog

We do not know when the song was written nor its first date of publication. However, we have found two museum examples that both use this verse, one predates our range and the other is specifically 1793. The shape of the mug is also consistent with porcelain beer and cider mugs from the final quarter on the 18th century.