October 16, 2018

By BRIAN KRAPF

This Parianware bust stands four inches tall and depicts Winston Churchill as First Lord of the Admiralty. It was made by Shelley Pottery in 1914 and 1915 during the First World War as part of a series depicting wartime leaders of the Allies including King George V, King Albert of Belgium, Lord Kitchener, Admiral Jellicoe, and others.

A similar series of crested china was produced by Goss, and those are more commonly found and offered for sale. In both instances, the Churchill is extremely rare and difficult to find. While production of both series continued further into the war, the Churchill was discontinued after he resigned from the Admiralty in 1915. This piece is a true gem and is one of the top collectible items from Churchill’s service as First Lord of the Admiralty during the Great War.

Brian Krapf formerly served as President of the American Political Items Collectors.