Figural tapersticks generally make their appearance during the mid 18th century, when the harlequin figure is most frequently found. The early 19th century saw a revival in various forms including a pair of mandarins made by William Elliot in 1818. It would appear that tapersticks on a naval theme are exceptionally rare, but given the year of manufacture, it may have been commisssioned to celebrate a successful naval engagement in 1812.