John Crawford. The sailor who so heroically nailed Admiral Duncan's flag to the main top gallant mast of the Venerable after it had been shot away by Admiral de Winter in the glorious action off Camperdown, Oct 11th 1797. Born 1775. Died at Sunderland his native place in 1831.
Mug showing Jack's medal.
Pottery for Jack Crawford was not produced during his lifetime. Mugs, like the one on the left, showing Jack's medal appear to be the oldest items. They have the style of mid 19th century pottery. They are most unlike the more easily found pieces made to commemorate the statue of Jack which was erected in 1890.
In the 1890s two different transfers of Jack nailing the flag appeared. One has him using a spike (as on the earlier items) and the other has him using a pistol. The transfer with the spike is based on a drawing published in 1804. The transfer with the pistol is based on the actual statue and has the pottery name of Balls as well as the date for 1890. These two transfers are often on items with orange lustre decoration which probably means they were both used by Balls Pottery.
The 'statue' transfer also appears on porcelain items. Despite the Balls mark these pieces were not made on Wearside but imported from Staffordshire and only decorated by Balls. The pictures below are of the statue in Mowbray Park, Sunderland.
In the 1890s two different transfers of Jack nailing the flag appeared. One has him using a spike (as on the earlier items) and the other has him using a pistol. The transfer with the spike is based on a drawing published in 1804. The transfer with the pistol is based on the actual statue and has the pottery name of Balls as well as the date for 1890. These two transfers are often on items with orange lustre decoration which probably means they were both used by Balls Pottery.
The 'statue' transfer also appears on porcelain items. Despite the Balls mark these pieces were not made on Wearside but imported from Staffordshire and only decorated by Balls. The pictures below are of the statue in Mowbray Park, Sunderland.