A pair of Coalport porcelain cobalt blue-ground 'Shropshire election' jugs 1841

inscribed in gilding on one side with the list of names of the successful Conservatives representing the County at Westminster beneath a band inscribed God Speed the Plough; and on the other with the sentiments: To record The Public Spirit, Integrity and Principle which at the General Election Midsummer 1841, Restored Twelve Conservative Members to the County of Salop. beneath a band inscribed God speed the Church; with the Shrewsbury coat of arms within a crowned and inscribed band beneath the spout.

Clive House Museum, College Hill, Shrewsbury
Asprey & Company, London, 1984

One jug has a haircrack running horizontally around the lower body approx. 1/2 an inch up from the base, extending approx. half way around the body, below the handle This appears to follow the line where the foot may have been luted to the body. The crack appears as a thin line in the glaze but in two areas has some small areas of loss to the glaze along its edges. Otherwise both In generally good condition apart from very minor scratching to the glaze in places and virtually no rubbing to the gilding.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Also referred as the "Twelve Apostles" jugs, the present examples were made to commemorate the Conservatives' success in the 1841 election in Shropshire. A similar example is illustrated in Michael Messenger, Coalport, 1795-1926, p. 197, pl. 151 (right), where the author states that this example is "a very striking piece, and it was presumably those very qualities of power and authority and stability that those responsible for the jug were seeking to convey" through its deep shiny glaze and thickly-potted body.