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
A pair of clowns
This is a fine pair of Staffordshire clowns, both standing 6 ½” tall, dating to circa 1860. Each is wearing pantaloons, with the figure on the left holding a cane.
Scottish hunter
This is an interesting example of a Scottish hunter, wearing kilt and underglaze blue coat, with a dog at his knee and a rifle resting near his right hand. The figure stands 14 ¼” tall and dates to about 1860.
A pair of Bullmastiffs
This is a pair of recumbent Bullmastiff dogs, approximately 6” tall, dating to around 1850-1860. This English breed was developed as a guard dog in the nineteenth century and is also known as the Gamekeeper’s Night Dog.
Prince of Wales
This is a rare figure of Prince Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, second child and eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He stands with his right hand resting on the head of a brown and white dog, and his left hand on the barrel of a rifle.
Sailors with cannon
This is a rare Crimean War figure representing two naval gunners with a cannon. One sailor stands upright with his right foot on the cannon, and his right hand to his head as if saluting. The second sailor is kneeling while priming the cannon.
Winter and Summer
This is a rare pair of Staffordshire figures representing two of the four seasons, Winter and Summer. Each figure stands a little over 6 ½” tall and dates to around 1850 – 1860.
