John Carmel Heenan and Tom Sayers
Heenan (1835-1873) was born in New York and Sayers (1826-1865) was born in Pimlico London. Both were accomplished knuckle fighters. They fought on 17th April 1860 at Farnborough, England, attended by over 12000 people. Sayers was a middleweight and at 10 stone 10 pounds (150 pounds) and 5 feet 8 inches, was nearly 3 stone (42 pounds) lighter and 6 inches shorter than Heenan. Even with this disadvantage Sayers fought well, but dislocated his right arm in the fourth round and so continued the next 33 rounds only using his left.
With good footwork and a great deal of courage, Sayers saw through the 37 rounds lasting over two hours, earning a very deserving draw. After the match, Sayers refused Heenan’s challenge of a rematch and went into retirement.
More Figures of the month
Lord Raglan
This is a very rare and desirable titled Staffordshire figure of FitzRoy James Henry Somerset Raglan, aka Field Marshal Lord Raglan. The figure stands a little over 13” tall and dates to around 1854. It may be found in Pugh’s 1987 edition of Staffordshire Portrait Figures, page 258, and in Harding Book One, page 121.
Pair of white cats
This is a rare pair of seated cats, approximately 13 ½” tall. They are decorated in bright gold and date to around 1870-1880. Harding Book Two illustrates this impressive pair on page 239.
Tiger and lion
This is a rare figure of a tiger and lion lying in front of a palm tree. Circus acts with wild animals became very popular in England during the 1830s and it is possible that this figure as well as other animal figures commemorated these events.
Lady Godiva
This is a rare figure portraying Lady Godiva seated sidesaddle on horseback. The figure is titled “Lady Godiva” and is decorated in the manner of the Parr factory, with soft yellow, green, and brown brushstrokes.
Lost Piece
This is an early Staffordshire figure of a woman standing on a grassy pedestal, with a coin in her extended hand. The figure is titled “Lost Piece” and represents the biblical verses found in Luke 15:8-10.
William Shakespeare
This is a gilt script titled figure of William Shakespeare with his right arm resting on a book atop a pedestal. Next to the pedestal is a sloped watch holder with a clock face painted inside, sitting atop a tree decorated with grapes.
