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Sir Francis Drake toby jug - Mason's circa 1975

Sir Francis Drake prototype toby jug produced by Mason's of Hanley, England, circa 1975. The greatest Elizabethan seaman, Sir Francis Drake (1540-1596) is probably best known for being the first explorer to circumnavigate the globe. His exploits against the Spaniards, which included the seizure of large amounts of goods, made him extremely popular in England. In 1580, despite Spanish protests, he was knighted on his ship The Golden Hind by Queen Elizabeth I for being the first Englishman to circumnavigate the world. Eight years later, as vice-admiral of the fleet under Lord Howard, Drake helped to defeat the Spanish Armada. He is famed for continuing his game of bowls on Plymouth Hoe as the mighty Spanish fleet approached saying "we have time to finish the game and beat the Spaniards afterwards." Sir Francis Drake died of dysentery while on an ill-fated expedition to the West Indies in 1596. The stern of The Golden Hind forms the handle of the jug. This is one of ten known prototype toby jugs produced by Masons in the mid 1970s but never put into production.

Maker:

Mason's

England

circa 1975

Model #:

Prototype

toby jug

Size:

medium

Height:

4"

Sir Francis Drake toby jug - Mason's circa 1975
Sir Francis Drake toby jug - Mason's circa 1975
Sir Francis Drake toby jug - Mason's circa 1975
Sir Francis Drake toby jug - Mason's circa 1975
Sir Francis Drake toby jug - Mason's circa 1975
Sir Francis Drake toby jug - Mason's circa 1975
Sir Francis Drake toby jug - Mason's circa 1975
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