A small full-length polychrome figurehead representing an Anglo-Saxon king from an unknown merchant ship, possibly called Sovereign

A small full-length polychrome figurehead representing an Anglo-Saxon king from an unknown merchant ship. The king, possibly based on King Alfred (c.847-899), is wearing gold chain mail hauberk over a red tunic. He has a brown belt around his waist and brown straps over the chain mail trousers and feet. The right arm is detachable and incomplete (4th and 5th fingers missing from right hand, possibly held something in right hand - hollow). He has his left arm by his side with a dagger in his hand. The king is wearing a gold and red crown on his head.

Sydney Cumbers believed this figurehead came from a ship called Sovereign.

Object Details

ID: ZBA7592
Type: Figurehead
Display location: Not on display
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Cutty Sark Collection. Long John Silver Collection
Measurements: Overall: 1040 mm x 350 mm x 430 mm