Circa 1892 Red Earthenware Inspired After Christopher Columbus

Whether you feel Christopher Columbus deserves his own national holiday in the United States is a debate in itself; in fact, this exact subject was published not too long ago in the October 5, 2017 edition of the New York Times. However, it cannot be denied that Columbus was a polarizing figure for many Americans in the nineteenth century, as represented today in artwork, prints and even pottery.

According to the University of Chicago, "The World's Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World's Fair, was organized in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' landing in America. Twenty-seven million people visited the exhibition halls, which displayed inventions in fields as diverse as mining, agriculture, and the liberal arts. Additional attractions included the world's first ferris wheel, daily concerts, lectures, belly dancers on a simulated 'Street of Cairo,' Buffalo Bill Cody and his Wild West Show, and the Viking, a replica of the Norwegian Gokstad ship. It was also at the fair that the public was introduced to Juicy Fruit gum, Quaker Oats, Hershey's chocolate, the hamburger, and electric light, which illuminated the grounds and helped to garner them the title The White City."

The Columbian half dollar was also issued by the Bureau of the Mint in 1892 to commemorate Christopher Columbus' 400 year anniversary; although, it was also used to raise funds for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, which ran from May 1, 1893 until October 30, 1893. The Columbian half dollar was the first American coin to depict a historical figure.

Nevertheless, these are two pieces of Christopher Columbus inspired red earthenware that I have acquired throughout the years. I believe both of these pieces were manufacture about 1892. The first object is a red earthenware figure depicting Columbus, and the second is a match holder decorated with a large applied bust of Columbus and inscribed on the back "J Gregory Burner 1892."

Red Earthenware Bust of Christopher Columbus

 19th Century Red Earthenware Bust of Christopher Columbus Likely Made Pennsylvania

Likely Made to Commemorate Columbus' 400 Year Anniversary of Landing in America

Circa 1892

Stands 3 1/4" Tall

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View of the Back

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Red Earthenware Match Holder with Bust of Christopher Columbus

 19th Century American Red Earthenware Match Holder with Bust of Christopher Columbus

Back Inscribed "J Gregory Burner 1892"

Circa 1892

Stands 6 1/2" Tall
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View of the Back

The Back is Inscribed "J Gregory Burner 1892"

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