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Curious finds and oddities, Hallo(ween) to Tom Noddy, I staggered back to the underground And the breeze blew back my hair, Lord Tomnoddy, Nobody but Tom Noddy knows it but you've got a secret smile And you use it only for me, Tom Noddy
Esme is collector of the unusual, and the Cloud is home to many curios and odd fripperies. The other day she came across this little fellow on the Bay of E, and his name is Tom Noddy, or so his plinth says. He is made from some kind of pottery or resin perhaps, and stands (or rather sits) at 5cm from buttock to forelock. The plinth is 3cm squared, and he appears to be very old.
The seller knew nothing of his origin at first, and the web was simply chock full of articles about ‘Noddy’ the children’s character from the sixties. Then Esme found the following poem and shared it with said seller and he had an idea.
My Lord Tomnoddy
Robert Barnabas Brough (1828–60)
MY Lord Tomnoddy’s the son of an Earl;
His hair is straight, but his whiskers curl:
His Lordship’s forehead is far from wide,
But there ’s plenty of room for the brains inside.
He writes his name with indifferent ease,
He ’s rather uncertain about the “d’s;”
But what does it matter, if three or one,
To the Earl of Fitzdotterel’s eldest son?
My Lord Tomnoddy to college went;
Much time he lost, much money he spent;
Rules, and windows, and heads, he broke—
Authorities wink’d—young men will joke!
He never peep’d inside of a book:
In two years’ time a degree he took,
And the newspapers vaunted the honors won
By the Earl of Fitzdotterel’s eldest son.
My Lord Tomnoddy came out in the world:
Waists were tighten’d and ringlets curl’d.
Virgins languish’d, and matrons smil’d—
’T is true, his Lordship is rather wild;
In very queer places he spends his life;
There ’s talk of some children by nobody’s wife—
But we must n’t look close into what is done
By the Earl of Fitzdotterel’s eldest son.
My Lord Tomnoddy must settle down—
There ’s a vacant seat in the family town!
(’T is time he should sow his eccentric oats)—
He has n’t the wit to apply for votes:
He cannot e’en learn his election speech,
Three phrases he speaks, a mistake in each!
And then breaks down—but the borough is won
For the Earl of Fitzdotterel’s eldest son.
My Lord Tomnoddy prefers the Guards,
(The House is a bore) so, it ’s on the cards!
My Lord’s a Lieutenant at twenty-three,
A Captain at twenty-six is he:
He never drew sword, except on drill;
The tricks of parade he has learnt but ill;
A full-blown Colonel at thirty-one
Is the Earl of Fitzdotterel’s eldest son!
My Lord Tomnoddy is thirty-four;
The Earl can last but a few years more.
My Lord in the Peers will take his place:
Her Majesty’s councils his words will grace.
Office he’ll hold, and patronage sway;
Fortunes and lives he will vote away;
And what are his qualifications?—ONE!
He ’s the Earl of Fitzdotterel’s eldest son.
Lord Tomnoddy was no pearl as you can see, more a figure of scorn (a right tit as some say up north), and the seller said he reckoned the wee figure might have been used in a classroom way back when as a kind of punishment for being naughty. Much as a ‘dunce hat’ used to be ‘awarded’ to a bad child who was then made to stand in the corner, he thinks this chap was the symbol of a dunce, or an idiot, and might have been placed upon the desk of such a miscreant to bring forth scorn from their classmates and humiliate them for their crimes against good behavior.
The fact that there is ink underneath the figure makes this more likely. The ink is predominantly blue, but could have soaked into the figure any time between the day of its manufacture and two weeks ago, so it might not be relevant at all.
On the third side there is another word carved upon the plinth which I cannot quite fathom, though I believe it may begin with a ‘H’ and end with ‘rwood’.
Do any of you have a clue about him? I’d love to hear from you if so. There is also a link to Stanley Holloway on the Tube of Yoos, however said video will not play upon the Cloud
He has a cheeky smile whatever his background, and cost no more than six shiny pounds, so a fine purchase. Tom Noddy sits and watches Esme write, smiling away wickedly as though he knows a secret about her that no-one else knows. And perhaps he does . . .
He is a curious wee man with a cheeky smile that’s for sure Esme!
Thank you for sharing the poem. It definitely gets its point over about the ruling classes.
I hope you find out more. In the meantime give him a gentle pat on the head for being a good boy … so far. 💛
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Heheheheh, indeed, he is, I really don’t think he could look any naughtier. I love that the figure led to a poem, and one I’d never stumbled across before too. I’m glad you enjoyed my post on him Val, and shall duly pat him on the head, perhaps a quick rub will bring me luck? (As the doctor said to the bishop. – beams and pegs it)
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I came across this …
The Oxford English Dictionary definition of Tomnoddy is given as a foolish or stupid person. He was mentioned in a song sung by Bilbo in the Hobbit.
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The Hobbit eh?! Ooooooo! He’s practically an elf ‘e is. I knew the dictionary part, just forgot I knew because I forget everything I know shortly after finding out I once knew it. Quite frustrating stuff, but not for very long because then I . . . forget.
Thank you Val!
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Shorter OED also gives: Local — The Puffin (Fratercula Arctica). So presumably somewhere in the world (arctic puffinland) the wee things are known as Tom-noddys.
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That’s quite sweet, and it fits them well methinks, thanks Hariod.
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Always worth having some useless information, don’t you think? You’re welcome.
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You need Pink. He has a nose for these things.
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And as if by magic . . . he appears in the very next comment from yours John! If you wriggle your nose and say his name 3 times, does he appear in your hallway holding up vintage mouldings and paint samples whilst tutting loudly, by any chance? Hahahahaha.
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Have you been catching of fish, Tom Noddy?
Have you snared a weeping hare?
Have you whistled “No Nunny” and gunned a poor bunny,
Or blinded a bird of the air?
Have you trod like a murderer through the green woods,
Through the dewy deep dingles and glooms,
While every small creature screamed shrill to Dame Nature
“He comes – and he comes!”?
Wonder I very much do, Tom Noddy,
If ever, when you are a-roam,
An Ogre from space will stoop a lean face,
And lug you home:
Lug you home over his fence, Tom Noddy,
Of thorn-sticks nine yards high,
With your bent knees strung round his old iron gun
And your head a dan-dangling by:
And hang you up stiff on a hook, Tom Noddy,
From a stone-cold pantry shelf,
Whence your eyes will glare in an empty stare,
Till you’re cooked yourself!
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Thank you Mr Pink! And Walter no-less. Very nice. I shall be adding all the extra info found to the post and name the contributors as I go along. John said you have a nose for this kind of thing, don’t worry, it’s a very handsome one – emse nodding with Tom Noddy
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?
.Three generations of famous manufacturer of earthenware, figures etc., at Burslem mid 18thC.
1715-75 Ralph Wood I
1748-95 Ralph Wood II
1787-1801 Ralph Wood III
Mark
Description & date
R WOOD Typical (but rare) impressed marks found on figures etc.,
about 1765
78
Ra Wood
Burslem Name-mark with the addition of the model number. With or without the place name ‘Burslem’
Back to Pottery – Ceramic Trade Marks
[Main Index Page ] [ Steve
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Oooo. Hmmm. Could be connected. It’d be marvellous if he was ‘born’ in the 1700’s! Not that the 1800’s would be bad of course. He weighs 27 grams (it just occurred to me to weigh him), so he’s quite light for pottery, and definitely not hollow either. I’ll have a dig about with the info you have supplied Robert. Thank you as always for taking the time to visit the Cloud and Esme.
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Maybe you already know: it looks to be glazed chalkware (!ight weight) and since in England registration marks were used from mid 1800’s onward, it could be before that, but not necessarily. I vaguely remember the name R Wood from years long past.
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Ahh, yes, that does ring a small bell, and in the back of my brain a small gas lamp has lit up re glazed chalkware. You are an excellent sleauth Robert, Thank you for the extra info. I wonder how many of him there are left, or if he was an only child?
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This dog reminds me of him;
https://www.rubylane.com/item/1773914-103/Watta-Pop-Chalkware-Dog?search=1
and having searched for a while more I see his pose is almost exactly the same as this kewpie doll;
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Ooh and this one too;
https://www.rubylane.com/item/715098-RL-895/Antique-1913-Chalkware-Rose-Ox27Neill-Sitting
I shall get my act together and add all this info and possible truths to the whole post later this evening so we have a bigger picture.
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Let’s not forget there were Italian knockoffs (forgeries) pedaled door to door in the 1800’s in England, as chalkware is notoriously easy to copy. I’d say it’s an original, however, and most likely made to sell to working class families since it has no color glaze, just a simple, uneven glaze in the same way there are exquisite Toby mugs and some not so much. A nice piece, no matter, as the signature probably would have been left off copies to avoid legal consequences.
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You know a fair bit about antiques or at least aged porcelain and the like I’m guessing, and a great help you are too! His patina feels like it is from many, many hands (possible sweating ones) holding him fast in their paws, the top of his head has barely any, whereas his back and front are well worn. I think he’s an original too, I’m just not sure what he’s an original of, hahahaha. When I lifted him up today he suddenly felt like a chess piece, or a piece from a board game of some kind. Do you think that’s possible? And do you think that might be a date in front of the ‘R.Wood’?
Esme full of questions and heaven knows what else upon the Cloud
Esme
Esme
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Date or place, date/place code of their own before the standardized markings. He’s definitely been handled some, his color differences could be from sunlight too and uneven glaze. Yeah, my family two generations before were collectors. When Sebastiana was still alive, she and I had a bit of a cash business buying and selling. Now I’m a minimalist but I particularly liked post WW2 Japanese figurines and such, those cheap, gaudy ones. No, no comment allowed whether that’s the type of woman I like too. 😋
No, not a piece meant to be played with, a board piece, plaster of paris(chalk) is too fragile.
Dang, three tries to answer your questions, I’d say a mold number, designer name is just as likely, some combination
of who, where, when. Now I’m done. 😎
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I’ve put all three comments into one for you, a stream of conciousness now, (small God that I am) – beams
Great to know all this, thank you for all those answers Robert! And Sebastiana, what a beautiful name ❤
I’m not a minimalist, but I do keep things relatively small when I collect them.
I’m laughing at your gaudy women, hahahahaha, there’s no harm in a bit of gaudiness I find – grins – or Gaudiness for thatt matter — when it comes to nice curves, he was the man eh?!
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He was yes. A minor god you are, yes. Must we kowtow or kiss your feet, just to know the correct protocol in case of a chance meeting? Or is an offering of spirits sufficient? (searching in vain for a god emoji but no).
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I like all you comments Robert, it’s nice to connect, even, or perhaps all the more-so, when ’tis over the subject of aged little naked folk with evil grins.
No foot kissing necessary, a short bow shall be answered with the same of a curtsyy dpepending on the day of the week.
Esmeralda Cloud Empress of The Known and Unknown Universe waving upon the Cloud
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Bear with me getting round to comments, I’m a slow bonobo at present. waves and shall be of use very soon, honest guv – Esme of slow Cloud fame
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Looks like he’s been bopped on the head… ^^
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Hahahahaha. He speks well of you too sir!
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I want one…what a dear…..made me smile just looking at him….perhaps he was my brother in a different life, and perhaps the current too 🙂 naughty naughty boy……nice find Esme and yes, a wonderful post chock full of mystery…..and a fine bunch of sleuths you have for followers too I might add ❤
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Ha, perhaps indeed. Funnily enough, not everyone who has seen Tom Noddy is keen on him, I’ve been told he’s too ‘spooky’ for their liking by half. For myself, the moment I clapped eyes on him I felt I had to bring him to the Cloud. He tickles the hell out of me with that expression on his face – laughs
I’m glad you’re enjoying the fun, I have lots of unusual odds and sods around, and a few that I also need answers for, so I may do a regular slot for them as this one has proven popular.
“and a fine bunch of sleuths you have for followers too I might add” – Cream of the crop. What the crop is I’m not sure, but it’s probably illegal and certainly makes one’s day cheerier!
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Hi esme! Thanks for introducing Tom to your audience. I tries to do what I cans to cast a lot of light light on Thomas Noddy of the Bay of E. Searching for “Thomas” served up a volume from 1846. A click and about 10 page downs (microfiche fashion) brings you to the title page https://books.google.com/books?id=gignyW1u6SQC&printsec=frontcover&dq=%22tom+noddy%22+%22google+books%22+-bubble&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiL0pGjtp7XAhWm24MKHY3mDswQuwUITDAI#v=onepage&q&f=false
A couple more page downs should bring you to the cast of characters.
Lord Thomas Noddy appears as a secretary to King Cole, “always writing what the King does wrong.”
Ask our Tom Noddy if this new information bears useful history, or merely bares a couple buttocks. “-)
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Lord Thomas Noddy in the cast list no less! And it mentions ‘bubbles’ in the search box which means a word should go out to this chap;
Tom Noddy himself, the chap here with Esme, bare of buttock and cheeky of smile minds not emoticon fails, in fact, both he and she think that your ‘fail’ was a score of sorts as it looks like a laughing wink, so fits perfectly!
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Such very fine detective work Esme! Watson and Holmes would surely be impressed. And I LOVE the concept, the imaginations of using “Noddy” in the most “appropriate” ways… as a teaching tool… in say, a classyroom…
with doors locked and bolted… and
a specialized work-bench in one corner… and
OH MY! I’ve digressed. Apologies Madame, my wandering Goodnessness got the best of me! (sligh grin from ear to ear)
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You have digressed a tad there Professor, but I’m sure you’ll find your way back, hahahahaha.
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Whaaaaaaa-ttt!??? 😇
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Just pulling your legs Professor. Hahahahaha.
Not your 3rd one either thank you very much.
Esme falling about upon the Cloud
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BWAHAHAHAHA!!! Pull away Darling! Pull… pull… yes… YES… Ooooooo, that feels quite __________! (choose the word(s) YOU like Madame)
You make me feel TALLER! You, you… “You make me feel like dancing, I wanna dance the night away!”
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esme pours a bucket of ice cold water over the Professor’s head and then pushes him off the Cloud watching him dance like Leo as he falls
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Hahahaha!
Oooooo, now I KNOW the Lady has a crush on me. I stilled her heart! I caused her to swoon! She couldn’t control her water, or breath nor her arms! 😍 Look! I am now as light as a feather! Is THIS what they say about being adored by the magnificent Lady Esme when she gives you the bucket? Could it be? Could it be… l’amour vrai???
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Pffft! You wish sir.
Empress Esmeralda Pfffting like Cersei upon the Cloud
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Dear Esme, I know I have left umpteen comments. I have left them as my thoughts orovressed, first wishing to authenticate Tom. However, after a nice, relaxing walk and follwing that with a cup of coffee and all-natural cigarette I feel I must add this. Since the salt glaze was so poorly applied, the maker’s stamp so poorly inset by contrast to TOM NODDY, I suspect most would consider this either a fake or at best, unauthenticated, unless there were other, already known pieces by R Wood of similar quality. The man did the original Toby Mug and much work selling to Wedgewood so he was no mean craftsman. So I think you paid a fair price. The collectors of figurines and chalkware didn’t bid it up so they were skeptical. These type of figures were also prizes in fairs or carnivals at one time, early 1900’s? and that could be where it came from as well.
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Well that’s where it gets interesting. If there is no other of him around, the he is an original something, and the detail is superb. If he’s from a fairground, and I think that’s quite likely having seen other chalk ware pieces, then, much like the wee dog that pops up all over the show, he’s an original fairground piece. Is the name carved in the name of the maker? I don’t know, he’s cheeky enough to be hiding something for sure hahahaha. I have a lot of aged items, and I have a good feel within my fingertips for them. This chap is very old, and I’m sticking to that. I haven’t been able to find even one replica, Kewpie dolls are all over the show. He’s early 1900’s I agree, and he’s certainly found a good home with Esme!
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Just chalk a circle around him and all will be good. 😉 the r wood throws me, as this is a mold how would his name be so perfect and his mfg info so poor? Yes, I think you’re safe with early 1900’s. Just knit him a little jumper for the winter, up there in the seemingly perpetual cold and dark season. That’s the fun of pottery, its contradictions. I could theorize someone made a mold of an old r wood piece and added the name tom noddy , so he might have been someone else in a former incarnation. Theories, guesses and imaginations.
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Ha, I shall do just that! The first part of the lettering looks scratched so as to be tricky to see, and yes, the Tom Noddy part may well have been an afterthought by someone else who was a bit cheeky hahahaha.
It’s great fun using the old imagination like this, educated or not guesses. I’m going to get some of my other unusual pieces up at some point and see what everyone makes of them too. It’s great to share one’s curious finds!
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A dolly from the 1970s, possibly, like an Evel Kneivel wind-up motorbike, but for poor children? Or some paedo’s bookend, in his bathroom aside the scented soap and dirty books. I dunno, could be anything like that, thinking aloud.
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You are aware he looks just like you, yes?
Ask your wife, she sees you naked on a plinth looking evil quite often I imagine.
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