On circular threaded foot, the body carved with fives scenes depicting a bare knuckle boxing match, a frigate, a mermaid on an anchor and a coat-of-arms beneath a coronet, marked on foot and rim
7 in. (17.8 cm.) high
The arms carved in the coconut are probably those of Berkeley of Stratton.

Mr and Mrs Walter Hayes Burns, North Mymms Park, Hertfordshire,
thence by descent.

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Lot Essay

Bare knuckle boxing was initially an unregulated naval discipline encouraged as a physical activity but which was often an occasion to settle personal grievances. Nonetheless ship’s captains and navy commanders felt that they made physical conditioning more pleasant than compulsory drills which were engaged in half-heartedly and considered by the sailors to be more work than play. As the sport became regulated, ship’s boxers became sport celebrities giving exhibitions and competing in boxing matches ashore whenever possible, and it was thought that such bouts did much to publicise the Navy amongst young men.