
Description
Victorian Majolica "Three-Legged Sailor" Teapot, Attributed to William Brownfield & Sons, c. 1880
Dimensions: 9" H × 7" W × 5" D
This rare and engaging Victorian majolica teapot is modeled as a jaunty young Jack Tar sailor, perched on a coiled rope base with his extended leg cleverly forming the spout. In his right hand he grasps a boldly colored Union Jack flag, the staff of which forms the vessel's sculptural handle"”a humorous and patriotic flourish that reinforces the sailor's identity as a symbol of Britain's 19th-century maritime power.
Rendered in a vibrant palette of cobalt blue, turquoise, ochre, and deep brown, the figure wears a broad-brimmed hat and nautical collar, his relaxed pose and expressive modeling capturing the cheerful spirit associated with Victorian depictions of merchant seamen. The glossy majolica glazes, crisp molded details, and whimsical "third-leg" conceit are hallmarks of the inventive figural ware attributed to William Brownfield & Sons of Cobridge, a Staffordshire pottery celebrated for its novelty forms during the 1870s–1880s.
Charming, humorous, and distinctly British, the teapot exemplifies the Victorian fascination with narrative ceramics and the theatricality of everyday objects transformed into sculptural conversation pieces.
Condition:
Alterations: Unknown
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good
Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
Height: 9 in.
Width: 7 in.
Depth: 5 in.
Category: Tea Pots
Materials: Pottery
Creator: Styled After: William Brownfield
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $27.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: No International Shipping for this auction. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from West Palm Beach, FL
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Dimensions: 9" H × 7" W × 5" D
This rare and engaging Victorian majolica teapot is modeled as a jaunty young Jack Tar sailor, perched on a coiled rope base with his extended leg cleverly forming the spout. In his right hand he grasps a boldly colored Union Jack flag, the staff of which forms the vessel's sculptural handle"”a humorous and patriotic flourish that reinforces the sailor's identity as a symbol of Britain's 19th-century maritime power.
Rendered in a vibrant palette of cobalt blue, turquoise, ochre, and deep brown, the figure wears a broad-brimmed hat and nautical collar, his relaxed pose and expressive modeling capturing the cheerful spirit associated with Victorian depictions of merchant seamen. The glossy majolica glazes, crisp molded details, and whimsical "third-leg" conceit are hallmarks of the inventive figural ware attributed to William Brownfield & Sons of Cobridge, a Staffordshire pottery celebrated for its novelty forms during the 1870s–1880s.
Charming, humorous, and distinctly British, the teapot exemplifies the Victorian fascination with narrative ceramics and the theatricality of everyday objects transformed into sculptural conversation pieces.
Condition:
Alterations: Unknown
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good
Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
Height: 9 in.
Width: 7 in.
Depth: 5 in.
Category: Tea Pots
Materials: Pottery
Creator: Styled After: William Brownfield
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Unknown; Some Imperfections; Good
Wear consistent with age and use.
Wear consistent with age and use.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Victorian Majolica "Three-Legged Sailor" Teapot, Attributed William Brownfield
Estimate $1,100-$2,240
Starting Price
$850
1 bidder is watching this item
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Antiques and Decorative Arts
Feb 26, 2026 7:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
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