I had originally thought that this was a genuine ship's figurehead, maybe with an interesting history. Alas, that is not the case. I posted a question on the message board of the Southwold Museum. David de Kretser, honorary curator of the museum, saw my message and asked Anne Ainscough, the current resident of Douglas House, if she knew anything about the figurehead. She did -- it's a fake. It dates from post WWII and was made by the then resident of the house, one Cyril Cronin, who now lives in Blythburgh. It was called "Polly" on account of the materials from which it is made. Oh well, better luck next time!