British & Continental Ceramics & Glass (Day One) - 26th April 2023
Lot 279
A large and rare two-handled 'pugilist' frog mug
Estimate £200 - £300 | Hammer £700
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Description
A large and rare two-handled 'pugilist' frog mug, c.1825, printed and coloured with two boxers sparring in an outdoor ring, titled 'Spring' and 'Langan', the interior with two small frogs and two newts, a rim crack, 17.6cm high.
Provenance: purchased from Alistair Sampson Antiques Ltd.
The mug commemorates the bare knuckle championship fight between the existing champion, Tom Spring, and the challenger, Jack Langan. Over 30,000 people turned up to watch the match which lasted for over 70 rounds and more than two and a half hours. Two of the spectator stands collapsed during the fight at Worcester racecourse, while others climbed the masts of boats moored nearby in order to view the fight for free.