Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
War of 1812 Naval Battle Commemorative Pitcher
Artifact IDMO 2008.12.44
Object Type
Pitcher
Maker
A.E. Gray & Co.
(British pottery manufacturer, 1912 - 1961)
Issuing Body
Patriotic Products Association
(American, founded 1927)
Date1927
Mediumceramic (glazed)
Dimensionsoverall (diameter at base) H 7 5/8 in x W 7 in x D 4 7/8 in x Diam 4 in (19.4 cm x 17.8 cm x 12.4 cm x 10.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionA white, glazed ceramic transferware pitcher commemorating the 1812 naval battle between the ships USS CONSTITUTION and HMS JAVA. Both the mouth and base of the pitcher are edged by a painted silver band and a row of silver stars. The handle is also detailed with silver paint.
One side of the pitcher features a black and white illustrated depiction of the two ships at battle, topped by the printed heading: "CONSTITUTION" 1797 AND THE "JAVA" [1797 is the year the CONSTITUTION was launched]. Below the illustration is a poem by H.W. B. commemorating the battle. The other side of the pitcher features a black and white illustrated portrait of Commodore Bain, commander of the CONSTITUTION, below which is a list of dates and events from the BATTLE LOG OF THE UNITED STATES FRIGATE "CONSTITUTION."
The interior of the pitcher has the illustration of an anchor and text that reads: OLD IRONSIDES.
Printed on the underside of the pitcher is the manufacturing information: © / PATRIOTIC / PRODUCTS / ASSOCIATION ~ PHILADELPHIA ~ [within a shield] / TRADE MARK / DESIGNED & PRODUCED / A.E. GRAY & CO. LTD. / -HANLEY- / ENGLAND / THIS IS NO 533 [number handwritten in ink] OF A FIRST AND LIMITED EDITION / PATENT APPLIED FOR. Also on the underside is adhered a small sticker with “D-26-25” and “41-8-38."
Historical NoteFranklin Roosevelt had a deep interest in the USS Constitution (“Old Ironsides”), the most famous ship of the early American navy. He collected manuscripts, a ship log, prints, paintings, manuscripts, and objects connected to its rich history. This transferware pitcher commemorates the 1812 battle between the Constitution and the HMS Java. FDR displayed the pitcher – along with a similar one (see MO 2008.12.43) – on the mantle above the fireplace in his bedroom at the White House.One side of the pitcher features a black and white illustrated depiction of the two ships at battle, topped by the printed heading: "CONSTITUTION" 1797 AND THE "JAVA" [1797 is the year the CONSTITUTION was launched]. Below the illustration is a poem by H.W. B. commemorating the battle. The other side of the pitcher features a black and white illustrated portrait of Commodore Bain, commander of the CONSTITUTION, below which is a list of dates and events from the BATTLE LOG OF THE UNITED STATES FRIGATE "CONSTITUTION."
The interior of the pitcher has the illustration of an anchor and text that reads: OLD IRONSIDES.
Printed on the underside of the pitcher is the manufacturing information: © / PATRIOTIC / PRODUCTS / ASSOCIATION ~ PHILADELPHIA ~ [within a shield] / TRADE MARK / DESIGNED & PRODUCED / A.E. GRAY & CO. LTD. / -HANLEY- / ENGLAND / THIS IS NO 533 [number handwritten in ink] OF A FIRST AND LIMITED EDITION / PATENT APPLIED FOR. Also on the underside is adhered a small sticker with “D-26-25” and “41-8-38."
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteLent to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Curtis Roosevelt in 2006, and donated in 2007.
Credit LineGift of Curtis Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view
Related Links
