A going! A going! the last time, A going! Down!!! [graphic]

"A spectacled auctioneer (the well-known Squibb) stands full-face in his rostrum with hammer raised, pointing downwards at a misshapen brass (yellow) figure of Queen Caroline in quasi-classical draperies, her arms akimbo, and displaying an ungainly leg. She stands on a wooden head of Alderman Wood, both being directed slightly to the left. Her sandalled feet rest on two curving supports of the head, which resemble the drooping peaks of a fool's cap. Near it lies a bundle of bulky papers, 'Defence of Innocence', labelled 'Lot 2 Waste Paper'. These two lots are on a table forming the base of the design below the rostrum. Behind the auctioneer less conspicuous lots are ranged on shelves: more bulky bundles inscribed 'Waste Paper Lot 3--Times'. A box of bonnets rouges with tricolour cockades inscribed 'To be Sold by Private Contract', with other chests of caps and of daggers, both inscribed 'Private'. A jar is 'Lot 5 Unsunned Snow' [see British Museum Satires No. 13975]."--British Museum online catalogue