Antique English Victorian Pratt-ware Pot-lid ~ “The Shrimpers” ~ Ball No. 63

A very popular Mid / Late 19th Century Antique English Victorian Pratt-ware Pot-lid, “The Shrimpers”, Catalogued as No. 63 in Ball’s A.C.C. Price Guide, and offered here in good order, free of chips or cracks, mounted in a turned oak frame complete with hanging ring. First issued by F. & R, Pratt, circa 1850, but reissued many times since that date. Several different varieties were produced, which shows how often the copper plates were reconditioned. Some of the lids are signed with the initials J.A. for Jesse Austin, and others, as here, show three huts replacing a chapel. The print in the factory archive shows two boats to the left of the picture, but no houses, this obviously being the latest issue. The original watercolour drawing by Austin remains in existence, albeit itself a copy, including elements taken from “The Prawn Fishers” and The Young Shrimpers”, both of which were painted by W. Collins, R.A.

Height to include frame  ~ 14.50 cm. / 5.70 inches ~ Width to include frame ~ 14.50 cm. / 5.70 inches ~ Depth ~ 3.00 cm. / 1.18 inches ~ Year ~ Circa 1875