A STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERY 'MURDER' JUG 19th century, decorate...

Estimate

£80 - £150

A STAFFORDSHIRE POTTERY 'MURDER' JUG

19th century, decorated in relief with William Collier and his family to one side, and the murder of the gamekeeper Thomas Smith by Collier at Whiston Eaves, Staffordshire to the other, 26.5cm high

Note: William Collier was found guilty in 1866 of the murder of Thomas Smith, after the gamekeeper caught him poaching on land at Whiston Eaves, Staffordshire. Collier was sentenced to death by hanging on the 7th August 1866. Each hanging usually used a new rope, to ensure it was not frayed, stretched or weakened. In Collier's case, the hangman decided to use an old rope for reasons unknown. As the lever was pulled the rope slipped off the gallows, leaving Collier dazed but conscious. A new rope was fetched and the terrible sequence repeated, this time hanging Collier successfully. It was the last public execution at Stafford Gaol.