18th Century Earthenware Teapot Owned by the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

Last week, I posted an article about a circa 1766 earthenware (or creamware) teapot that I have always admired, which is currently on display at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. This object was reportedly made at the Cockpit Hill Factory in England in recognition of an Act passed by Parliament to repeal the Stamp Act on March 18, 1766. The words "Stamp Act Repeal'd" are prominently inscribed across the front of the teapot

According to Yale University, "The Stamp Act was passed on March 22, 1765, leading to an uproar in the colonies over an issue that was to be a major cause of the American Revolution: taxation without representation. Enacted in November 1765, the controversial act forced colonists to buy a British stamp for every official document they obtained. The stamp itself displayed an image of a Tudor rose framed by the word "America" and the French phrase "Honi soit qui mal y pense" - or Shame to him who thinks evil of it." 

Nonetheless, I also cited a related eighteenth century earthenware teapot in that same article that I viewed during one of my trips in 2017 to the National Museum of American History at Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Whereas, it was also brought to my attention last week by museum consultant, Robert F. Trent that this teapot had been previously owned by Connecticut antiques dealer, William Guthman (1924-2006) before it was later acquired by the Smithsonian from Northeast Auctions in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 2006.

Furthermore, this teapot is also reported to have been made at the Cockpit Hill Factory in England, circa 1766-1770, while it also observes the repeal of the Stamp Act. Imprinted on one side of the teapot is "No Stamp Act" and on the other is "America. Liberty Restored."

Note: Here is a link to a press release that was posted on the National Museum of American History's website in 2006, which further explains the significance of this important object that is currently on display at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

Teapot Acknowledging the Repeal of the Stamp Act

18th Century English Earthenware Teapot

Attributed to the Cockpit Hill Factory in England

Imprinted "No Stamp Act / America. Liberty Restored."

Circa 1766-1770

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: The National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

Circa 1765/66 Stamp Act Stamp

Circa 1765/66 Stamp Act Stamp

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Mystic Stamp Company - Camden, NY

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