A good pearlware jug, circa 1800

A good pearlware jug, circa 1800
Inscribed 'G R, Success to the British fleet' and painted in bright enamels with three uniformed infantrymen aiming their muskets, a large floral sprig to the reverse, a foliate border below the brown line rim, 17.8cm high
Provenance
With Garry Atkins

Initially the armed foot soldiers seem an unusual choice of decoration with the inscription, which one might expect to see alongside a naval scene. In the late 19th century new regiments, militias and volunteers were raised, often bank-rolled by a wealthy benefactor and their particular uniforms varied. The uniforms could indicate that these men are Royal Marines and the artist choosing to depict them on land more of an artistic choice than a realistic one.