The design derives from a set of prints and the Highlanders depicted are widely believed to be the two Jacobite martyrs, Rifleman Shaw and Piper Macdonnel, executed for the Jacobite cause on Tower Hill at the time of the Rebellion of 1745.
Sourced by one of Christie’s Cheltenham regional representatives and consigned at £10,000-15,000, family
tradition had it that the vendor’s
grandmother, an innkeeper, was given the plate in repayment for a business debt. If this is correct it must rank as one of the most expensive round of drinks as it sold for £24,000 to a European dealer.
Comedy and tragedy together at £24,000
With their lively if somewhat comic subject matter, these so-called ‘Scotsmen’ famille rose plates, 18th century, always receive a warm welcome. But the comic depiction of this kilted couple of the 42nd Foot Regiment belies the fate that lay in store for them.
