Fishmongers Arms jug

[Vuhginyuh]

An uncommon, superbly printed and potted English cream ware jug.

Exquisitely rendered, very strong yet light in weight. Transfer printed with an
American warship and FISHMONGERS ARMS and heraldry on the opposite side.

Each black transfer is partially washed in an translucent aquamarine tint over-glaze. Probably of Staffordshire manufacture and printed in Liverpool and possibly (wishfully) by John Sadler. It's also possible it was manufactured and printed in Liverpool alone. Who knows for sure? They are typically called 'Liverpool' jugs but they evolved at both pottery centers simultaneously. I find that the finer examples are from Liverpool and Staffordshire and not potted by a knock-off in the hinterlands.

10.5 inches high, ca 1795

Though not well documented, it's likely that British ceramics with American designs were made with the American market in mind. The ports of Boston, Manhattan and Charleston were the perfect destinations, for all three held purveyors of such imported wares. The late unpleasantness of '76 was still fresh in the minds of good Englishmen and women and a reminder of the fitful loss of an entire colony was still a bitter pill. Therefore, the American market. Why not recoup a shilling or two from the impudent Rebels?

On one side is a stylized American warship, in full sail with pennants streaming and gun ports open for engagement. The American flag on the stern has fifteen stars. The sea beneath the ship is tinted with aquamarine.

The opposite side of the jug has a print representing the coat of arms of the London Fishmongers Guild. A 3/4 sejant erect lion supports a cross above the main shield. In the shield's left are Tudor roses and leaping fish separated with market scales set in a chevron. To the right are quartered fish and scallop designs; Christian symbolism, a trend dear to the medieval pedigreed guilds. The arms are ensconced in a rose and primitive acanthus rope, which is poorly and partiality tinted with aquamarine.

[Spinster]

Re: Fishmongers Arms jug

Garrison,

I have a number of small reproduction pitchers of this sort (circa 1950's Colonial Revival), all about 5 inches high, all staffordshire made. I've wondered about using them in a house setting for living history presentations.

What socio-economic class would have had these--and more importantly, who would have by 1860?

I'm not so much thinking of the Guild imprints as more decorative looks--the majority of mine tend toward 'country scences'.

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Fishmongers Arms jug

I have a number of small reproduction pitchers of this sort (circa 1950's Colonial Revival), all about 5 inches high, all staffordshire made. I've wondered about using them in a house setting for living history presentations.

What socio-economic class would have had these--and more importantly, who would have by 1860?

I'm not so much thinking of the Guild imprints as more decorative looks--the majority of mine tend toward 'country scences'.

Any way to get me a shot or two of your pottery? The drawback to modern made examples of old patterns is the commercial backmark. To me using pottery with a modern backmark is like not defarbing your Enfield.
__________________________________________________ _____________________

I consider “Arms” or tribute ceramics to be functional souvenirs. They were the football game beer cup of the period. Well sort of. They certainly came in a wide range of prices, quality and embellished content. The goal of the potter was to turn a profit and to tailor the wares to broad markets. Most of these markets had shallow pockets. I can't begin to speculate who would still have or use these by 1860. It isn't a typical table ware produced in diverse patterns, sizes and function. But given the frugality of the times, I doubt the ware would be stuck on a cupboard shelf or gather dust in an attic.

There is ample evidence of these wares in the vast overburden left in the wake of fires that ravaged Wilmington NC the first 15 years of the 19^th century. Obviously, the fires did not discriminate the households they destroyed, so I can't say what station they held here.

Prior to the 1870s, decoration is always secondary to function. These ceramics were geared to farmers, guildsmen, soldiers, sailors etc. I have all idea they were used too. I use one daily.

The Socio-Economic class should equal the theme.

__________________________________________________ _____________________

Here is a short chronology of the infamous "Willow'' pattern back mark.

This is an example of a tribute ware made the same way as the earlier pieces, but clearly intended for a much different market.

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Fishmongers Arms jug

Like I said, I use one regularly. The thermal quality of the ironstone is outstanding.



Two handled Farmers Arms 4 inch Herculaneum teague. English, ca 1860.

Mrs. Lawson, these are sometimes referred to as teagues, which may lend some evidence to the rougish personalty that typically bought them. Hows that for some SEC?

[Spinster]

Re: Fishmongers Arms jug

Any way to get me a shot or two of your pottery? The drawback to modern made examples of old patterns is the commercial backmark. To me using pottery with a modern backmark is like not defarbing your Enfield.
__________________________________________________ _____________________

That modern backmark is problematic. I can't access a thing, being on permanent duty at MyDaddy's these days, but the general design of what I have lends itself to saying these are 1930's backmarks.

It depends on the item and the setting as to how cranked I get about the backmark. If I'm using something as a decorative mantle or sideboard item, then it won't be lifted in the regular course of business. Same thing with dinner plates--folks tend to not hang them over their heads, so only the kitchen maid sees the backs.

A serving pitcher though, gets lifted and seen. I have on occassion covered a small mark with something easily removed in the dish water---a dab of liquid paper.

[John-Owen Kline]

Re: Fishmongers Arms jug

An uncommon, superbly printed and potted English cream ware jug.

... overburden left in the wake of fires...

Very nice. Thanks cuz. Is the rubble you mentioned at the foot of Ann and Orange streets?

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Fishmongers Arms jug

Yes it is. Three meters of well stacked low grade pitch and tar filled barrels from the 1820's atop a meter of the fire rubble. This is all precariously perched upon the limestone shelf etched in the bend in the river.

Forget the 1730 circa date for the old town, the rubble holds debris from the 1670's up to the fires.

[John-Owen Kline]

Re: Fishmongers Arms jug

The British iron and bronze steam fittings are from there too?

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: Fishmongers Arms jug

Yes they are.