English Majolica Manxman Teapot c.1875

English Majolica Manx, Isle of Man Teapot c.1875, in the form of three legged huntsman sat on a seat of tree trunk , a branch forming the handle, the three legged symbol of the Isle of Man on his jacket.

Height: 19cm

"Whichever way you throw , it will stand", History of the three legged symbol of the Isle of Man.

The earliest use of the Isle of Man's three legged symbol which can be dated to the Three Legs within the Isle of Man is in 1310 when they appeared on the shield of Henry de Bello Monte, Governor of the Island for King Edward II of England. They also appear on the Manx Sword of State which is thought to date from around 1230. Another early occurrence is on the market cross of the village of Maughold which is probably late 14th century.

 The Latin motto, "Quocunque Jeceris Stabit", meaning "Whichever way you throw, it will stand", is a later addition to the Manx Three Legs and the earliest use of the motto appears to be on Manx coinage of 1668.

The Three Legs device appears on the Manx national flag armoured in gold and silver and with spurs on the heels, on a red field. This flag, with the addition of the Union flag in the canton, provides the Island's maritime ensign, known technically as "a defaced Red Ensign". The Legs appear on all the Island's currency notes and on some of its coins and postage stamps.

The Three Legged badge was popular as a tattoo, especially amongst Manx seamen. Captain Bligh of the Bounty described his young Midshipman Peter Heywood, who was involved in the mutiny in 1789, as being "Very much tatowed & on the Right leg is tatooed the Legs of Man as the impression on that Coin is". Bligh was married in the Isle of Man and would be familiar with its coinage.