Tom Molineaux and Tom Cribb Memorabilia Pitchers and Jugs

Pearlware jug depicting a boxing match between Tom Molineaux and Tom Cribb in 1810. Made in 1811

This jug shows a boxing match between Tom Molineaux and Tom Cribb in 1810. Tom Molineaux was born in 1784 as a slave in Virginia, America. He was trained by his father Zachary Molineaux and boxed with other enslaved men as entertainment for the plantation owners. He gained his freedom when he made his plantation owner lots of money through boxing.

Even though Molineaux was defeated after 39 rounds, he impressed the public and became a celebrity. This jug commemorates the boxing match. Sadly he later died penniless in Dublin in 1818. (source: Understanding Slavery)

A rare yellow pearlware lustre jug of pugilist interest c.1811, commemorating the great fight between Tom Molineux and Tom Cribb at Thistleton Gapp in Rutland in September 1811, printed with the two boxers in fighting stance, the other side with a verse celebrating the strength of boxing in Britain, on a yellow ground within silver lustre borders, 14.5cm high.

The 1811 match between the former slave, Molineaux, and Bristolian Cribb ended in the 11th round when Cribb broke his opponent's jaw. Their first meeting in 1810 saw them so closely matched that the fight went to 35 rounds, with Cribb again the victor. (source: Wooley and Wallis, UK)

Jug depicting a fight between Tom Cribb (1781-1848) and Tom Molyneux (1784-1818) 'The Black Diamond' of Virginia (newcastle yellow glazed-ware), English School, (19th century) / Royal Pavilion, Libraries & Museums, Brighton & Hove / The Bridgeman Art Library