John Bull

Like Uncle Sam, John Bull became the personification of his nation; Kingdom of Great Britain!

“John Bull” was created in an antique ornament mold by skilled artisans, and was imported from Germany to the USA by Merk Family’s Old World Christmas. “John Bull” is pictured showing each side to illustrate its detail, and the fine craftsmanship that went into creating this whimsical piece.

Long retired, “John Bull” is in “new”, mint condition from store stock.

This unique, hard to find ornament has an original catalog number of #2481. It measures 4”, is hand-painted and glittered, and has black chenille arms and legs. It is topped with the star cap trademark, signifying its authenticity as an heirloom ornament created by Inge-Glas of Germany.

The history of John Bull: Like Uncle Sam, John Bull became the personification of his nation; Kingdom of Great Britain. John Bull became popular during the nineteenth century; he originated earlier, as a character in John Arbuthnot's “The History of John Bull” (1712). He became widely known from cartoons by Sir John Tenniel published in the British humor magazine Punch during the middle and late nineteenth century. In those cartoons, he was portrayed as an honest, solid, farmer figure, often in a Union Jack waistcoat, and accompanied by a bulldog. He became so familiar that his name frequently appeared in books, plays, periodical titles, and as a brand name or trademark. Although frequently used through World War II, since the 1950s John Bull has been seen less often. He has often been depicted interacting with Uncle Sam, as friends or antagonists.”