Death of Nelson and the Battle of the Nile: an exceptionally large creamware jug, early 19th century
Probably Herculaneum, printed in black with an expansive naval battle 'ADM'L NELSON'S Glorious VICTORY near the MOUTH of the NILE Augt 1th [sic] 1798', the reverse with an oval print depicting 'THE DEATH of ADMIRAL LORD NELSON off CADIZ Octr 21th [sic] 1805', the monogram 'MR' printed in elaborate script and 'THE FARMERS ARMS' below the spout, 31cm high
Footnotes:
The uncommon scale of the jug allows for a very detailed view of the Nile. The moon shining through dark skies is a reminder that most of the battle was fought at night, something which must have made L'Orient ablaze even more dramatic. The same print is adapted to fit a smaller jug, in the Collection at Winterthur, inv. no. 1965.0069. See also the jugs illustrated by Alan Smith, Liverpool Herculaneum Pottery (1970), figs.46 and 56, which add weight to the Herculaneum attribution for the present lot and also lot 30.

The jug is extensively restored, including the spout and most of the footrim. Most of the printed decoration has not been affected by restoration or spray but restored breaks are visible running down through the left hand side of the Nile print and another which appears to start at one side of the spout, horizontally crosses title of the farmers arms and the middle of the death of Nelson print curving up to meet the rim above the handle. Typical crazing to the glaze reassures that much of the surface of the jug is unaffected by the restoration.