Grand Old Duke of York Prince Frederick Creamware Mug c1794

Description

Heading : Grand Old Duke of York Prince Frederick Creamware Mug
Date :c1794
Period : George III
Marks : None
Origin : Staffordshire
Colour : Transfer printed
Features : Named depiction of His Royal Highness The Duke of York
Condition : Very good.
Restoration : Restored crack behind the Prince. This is very difficult to observe, requires intense bright light
Dimensions : handle to rim diameter 12cm ,  height 12.7cm
Weight : 202g

Reference : The second son of George III. He became Duke of York and Earl of Ulster in 1794. Promoted to General he enjoyed a couple of military successes in Flanders in 1794, but he and his army had to be evacuated in 1795. Staffordshire potters wil have cebrated many victories during the French Revolutionary Wars, the loss of France and their most lucrative export market gave rise to the demise of many of their businesses. Thus the window of opportunity for the production of such a celebratory commemorative must have been limited.

It is widely accepted that Prince Frederick was “The Grand Old Duke” of nursery rhyme fame. We are a little sceptical as flanders is known for being very flat. Where was the hill? Perhaps this was inherited from earlier versions.