Antiques: Rare 1830s cider mug has a handle on humour

Q:  I inherited this mug and would love to know a bit more about it. I’m intrigued by the handle, which seems to show some sort of strange snake goblin that doesn’t seem to go at all with the floral design on the piece. It has a marking on the bottom showing part of a crown and the words “Patent Ironstone China” and stands 10 cm high and 14 cm across (4 x 5.5 inches). Why the strange handle? Anything you can tell me about it would be much appreciated.
Mary-Louisa, St