STAFFORDSHIRE CREAMWARE TRANSFER-PRINTED JUG CIRCA 1800–1810

Printed in black on either side with designs by F. Morris Shelton, signed; one side with the titled scene 'Washington crown'd with Laurels by Liberty' and on the reverse with a Liberty poem: O Liberty thou Goddefs! / heav'nly bright, / Profuse of blifs, / and pregnant with delight, / Eternal pleasures / in thy presence reign, / and smiling plenty leads / thy wanton train. within an oval States-inscribed banderole. 

Northeast Auctions, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, August 3, 2013, lot 589, through Jonathan Trace.

The jug has taken a hit on the side with the verse and an oval section, measuring approximately 3 in. by 2 in. has been broken off and restored back with a museum-type restoration; there are associated small chips and short haircracks in the break area. Finally, there is a small circular area, where the glaze has been rubbed, possibly related to the same break. There are several haircracks running down the side of the rim, measuring up to 3 inches long, some of which fork into several directions. There is another star crack near the handle and another near the bottom of the jug. There are some occasional minor scratching to the enamels. There is a 3/4-inch restored rim chip to the spout and several tiny abrasion-like chips to the footrim. There are three circular patches of discolored crazing on the base of the jug.
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.

A Staffordshire jug similarly printed on one side with the 'Washington crown'd with Laurels by Liberty' design is illustrated in S. Robert Teitelman et al, Success to America, Creamware for the American Market, p. 104, cat. no. 20, where the authors mention that this print was one of Francis Morris's most popular designs. Morris was a pottery printer in Shelton, who designed various prints for an American market eager to display its patriotism. Another jug with the printed poem is illustrated in David and Linda Arman, Anglo-American Ceramics, Transfer Printed Creamware and Pearlware for the American Market 1760-1860, p. 142, cat. no. O.1.