Liverpool
Pitchers with a Maritime Theme
Here we have a beautiful Creamware
Liverpool Pitcher circa 1800 that has a scarce red transfer of a United States
gunship with an American flag bearing 15 stars. The reverse transfer on
this 7 1/4" tall pitcher is of York Rite interest. It pictures the
interlocking triangles of the Seal of Solomon with the Latin phrases "In
Hoc Signo Vinces" meaning "Under
this sign we will conquer." Underneath is another Latin
phrase "Memento Mori" which is
used in the Latin phrase "Tempus
Fugit Memento Mori" meaning
"Time Flies; Remember [that you will] Die."
Under the spout in enamel lettering is the name of the original owner, Joseph
Lufkin.
During the 19th century and the great
Age of Sail, many Masonic Brethren "went down to the sea in ships."
Their maritime professions ranged from ship builder, or ship's Master, to simple
mariner. Wherever they traveled, Masonry traveled with them. A
number of duly constituted Masonic Lodges were created in the East Indies, South
and Central America, the Mediterranean and other ports around the world where
seafaring Brethren could meet and enjoy fellowship. Traveling
certificates, often printed in three or four languages, attested that they were
Master Masons in good standing and eligible for admittance to these foreign
Lodges. During long voyages, there were other opportunities to reaffirm
the dual bonds that bound them to the sea and Masonry. Without official
sanction, Freemasons seldom lost an opportunity to hoist Masonic flags and
pennants while underway, or in port, in efforts to recognize one another.
These displays often resulted in meetings where brotherhood and good fellowship
could be more thoroughly enjoyed. In a number of countries, the Papal bull
of 1738 continued to prevent the conduct of open Masonic meetings ashore, but
probably gave rise to their safe retreat aboard sovereign ships lying at anchor
in the harbor. Life at sea was hazardous in the 19th century, and
necrology published in Grand Lodge Proceedings often grimly announced
"death at sea" of many mariner Brethren. Despite the hazards of
life on the briny deep, Freemasonry proudly rode the waves as the legacy of the
above Liverpool Pitcher will testify.
The vast majority of these
pitchers have damage and this one is no exception. Keeping in mind that it is
200 years old. This red color transfer is much scarcer than the black ones.
A
Multi-colored Liverpool Pitcher with a Maritime Theme
This is a very rare and unusual
piece of early English Staffordshire Pottery made for the American market
circa. 1850. This Jug / Pitcher has black transferware decorations with
polychrome colors added. One side has a Masonic Motto, the other side
has The Gauntlet Clipper Ship flying a tattered American Flag and what looks
like a Masonic flag aft of that. It has hand applied Orange / Rust Color
Lustre decoration as well. This pitcher measures overall approx. 6 1/2
Inches tall x 7 3/4 Inches long ( Handle to Spout ) x 6 Inches Wide.
