A Staffordshire salt-glazed white stoneware commemorative Admiral Vernon tankard, dated 1739

of tall cylindrical form with spreading foot and applied strap handle, with turned bands and sprigged with figures, battle scenes and the inscription 'THE/ BRITISH/ GLORY:/ REVIV:D', 'BY/ ADMIRAL/ VERNON', the reverse inscribed 'HE/ TOOK PORTO/ BELLO:', 'WITH/ SIX::./ SHIPS/ ONLY.', 'NOV:/ YE:22/ 1739:'

Anon. sale, Bonhams London, 3rd October 2012, lot 31;
With Garry Atkins;
acquired from the above;
The Birkett collects ion.

There is a restored curving hairline crack which extends from the underside of the base, up to the left of the sprigged battle scene finishing under the handle's lower terminal
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes 's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Vessels depicting this event were clearly popular in the 18th century, as salt-glaze sherds showing sprigged decoration of this type have been unearthed in as far as Maryland in North America. An example was in the collects ion of Lady Charlotte Schreiber, now in the V&A museum, London, mus. no. 414:942-1885. The taking of Porto bello and sprigged decoration of this form is discussed by Felicity Marno in This blessed plot, this earth, London, 2011, pp. 46-48.