• Sultan Staffordshire flatback
  • Sultan Staffordshire flatback
  • Sultan Staffordshire flatback
  • Sultan Staffordshire flatback
  • Sultan Staffordshire flatback
  • Sultan Staffordshire flatback
  • Sultan Staffordshire flatback
  • Sultan Staffordshire flatback

A Staffordshire Flatback depicting Abdulmejid I, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, circa 1854

This Staffordshire flatback figure depicts Abdulmejid (Abd-ul-Medjid) wearing a military uniform and a round plumed hat, seated on a horse facing left. The front of the base bears the raised title SULTAN. His military jacket is decorated in underglaze blue. (See P.D Gordon Pugh, Page C239, Plate 31, Figure 73).

Abdulmejid I (Turkish: I. Abdülmecid; 1823-61) was the 31st sultan of the Ottoman Empire, acceding to the throne at the age of only 16. Having received a European education, he spoke fluent French and enjoyed classical music and literature. Abdulmejid implemented many French-inspired reforms within the Ottoman Empire. During the Crimean War (1853-56), he forged alliances with the major Western European powers of France and the United Kingdom to defeat the Russian Empire. Aged 38, he died of tuberculosis.

This figure was issued with its pair, Prince Albert, to commemorate the Anglo-Turkish alliance in the Crimean War.

Condition: The figure is attractively coloured and displays well. There is restoration and retouching to the horse’s neck, reins and also to parts of the sultan’s head. The hat has a tiny chip, and the raised gilt lettering is worn. There is minor flaking to the enamel on the horse’s tail and forelock.

Dimensions: Height 19 cm; Width (across the base) 9.5 cm; Depth (across the base) 4 cm

Staffordshire Portrait Figures of the Victorian Era, P.D. Gordon Pugh (Antique Collectors’ Club, 1988).

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