Jewish Colonial interest; A rare octagonal nursery plate
circa 1840-50
transfer-printed in underglaze black with a verse from Quaco Sam in pidgin English, the verse reads 'Come, cuson cuba, me yerry some news, me yerry say you buy one more new pair of shoes, Me yerry say you buy one dandy hat, Come, tell me cousin Cuba, what you pay for debt, Wid me ring ding etc", printed to reverse 'Manufactured for Mrs B Brandon Kingston Jamaica', 15.4cm diameter

A small number of nursery and commemorative wares with this same inscription to the reverse have come up at auction over the past 20-30 years, primarily with portraits of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In 2002, Special Auction Services sold a pair of plates with pidgin verse and bearing this retailers mark for £480. A marriage announcement in the Daily Gleaner of 4th. June 1867 described the late David Brandon of Kingston as a merchant. Further research suggests that the Brandons were part of a Jewish merchant community living in Kingston. Despite several centuries of persecution, which effectively rendered them third-class citizens until full emancipation and political rights were achieved in 1831, many Jewish people on the island had been heavily involved in growing vanilla and sugar for centuries and this trade persisted until the beginning of the early 20th century.

Condition Report

Crazed throughout, some staining and a firing crack to the reverse. Small glaze fault to the front and a tiny knock to the rim.

Bidding indicates acceptance of the condition of the lot.  All lots are sold subject to general wear and tear commensurate with age and handling over time and only obvious faults will be mentioned after a visual inspection. If you have particular specialist questions on any lot, please state these before bidding since we cannot and will not provide a forensic examination of any lot but only a general condition report as a guide only. All condition reports given by Halls Holdings Ltd's representatives or agents are statements of opinion and not fact. If you require any further information about any lots in this auction or about bidding please do not hesitate to contact us again.