A Rare George Washington Pitcher Found at a Bottle Show in New Hampshire in 2014

It has been almost two-years since I wrote an article about my visit to the Keene, New Hampshire Bottle Show. I discovered a few objects at this annual show, which included an earthenware pitcher in the form of a bust of George Washington.

Until recently, I never knew where this object was manufactured, but I was certain that it was American-made; although, I always appreciated it for its appearance. Ultimately, I purchased the pitcher seeing I had never seen anything like it before - it appeared rare to me. Here is a link to the original article.

Just a few days ago, I posted images of this object on Facebook in celebration of July 4th since the pitcher is dated, 'July 4, 1903.' 

I had forgotten the history of this pitcher, but I had suggested on Facebook that the person, whom I had purchased it from said it was found in upstate New York. However, after reading the original article, again I realized the Washington pitcher was actually found in a home in Mattapoisett, Massachusetts.

Columbus, Ohio antiques dealer and collector, Andrew Richmond quickly recognized the object, and he told me that my Washington pitcher was made at the Starkey Pottery Company in East Liverpool, Ohio. He also told me that it is a rare and desired form to find today.

Both the Chipstone Foundation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the University of Richmond Museums in Richmond, Virginia own examples of this type of East Liverpool-made pitcher.

Surprisingly, I could not find any relevant auction results for related (or similar) objects that have sold in the past decade - and, that suggests (to me) how rare this form may be today.

According to the University of Richmond Museums, "Using the popular, and usually-humorous, 'Toby' jug (also known as a pitcher) that was produced in many different guises, this decorative vessel shows a stately and elegant bust of George Washington. He wears his traditional tricorn hat (here emblazoned with his name), and encircling his neck are thirteen stars, symbolizing the original thirteen colonies of the United States."

I find the jug that I discovered intriguing since these objects were reportedly made during the circa 1892-1901 period; however, "Washington, July 4, 1903" is written in gold on the pitcher that I discovered in New Hampshire in 2014.

Andrew Richmond commented on the date, "Given the date (Ohio granted statehood in 1803), the pitcher may have been made specially for the Ohio centennial celebration in 1903."

Washington Pitcher Owned by the University of Richmond Museums

Late-19th Century Earthenware Toby Jug in the Form of a Bust of George Washington

Made by the Starkey Pottery Company in East Liverpool, OH

Circa 1892-1901

Stands 9 1/4" Tall

Photo Courtesy: University of Richmond Museums - Richmond, VA

Washington Pitcher Found in New Hampshire in 2014

 Late-19th or Early 20th Century Earthenware Toby Jug in the Form of George Washington

Made by the Starkey Pottery Company in East Liverpool, OH

Form Reportedly Made Circa 1892-1901
However, This Object Was Likely Made For Ohio's Centennial Celebration in 1903

Stands 9 1/4" Tall

Reportedly Found in a House in Mattapoisett, MA

Purchased at the Keene, NH Bottle Show in 2014

 Another View of the Pitcher

View of Part of the Writing "Washington / July 4"

The Entire Writing Reads, "Washington /  July 4, 103"

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