Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Revolutionary War Naval Battle Commemorative Pitcher
Artifact IDMO 2008.12.43
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 1/8 in (19.4 cm x 17.8 cm x 12.4 cm x 10.5 cm )
Physical DescriptionA white, glazed ceramic transferware pitcher commemorating the 1779 Revolutionary War naval battle between the ships USS BON HOMME RICHARD and HMS SERAPIS. 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: BON HOMME RICHARD 1779 AND THE SERAPIS. 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 John Paul Jones of the BON HOMME RICHARD, below which are several quotations related to him.
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 498 [number handwritten in ink] OF A FIRST AND LIMITED EDITION / PATENT APPLIED FOR.
Historical NoteFranklin D. Roosevelt was an avid, lifelong collector of prints, engravings, paintings, and objects associated with the history of the United States Navy. FDR displayed this pitcher – along with a similar one (see MO 2008.12.44) – 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: BON HOMME RICHARD 1779 AND THE SERAPIS. 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 John Paul Jones of the BON HOMME RICHARD, below which are several quotations related to him.
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 498 [number handwritten in ink] OF A FIRST AND LIMITED EDITION / PATENT APPLIED FOR.
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
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