Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
George Washington Character Jug
Artifact IDMO 1941.8.1
Object Type
Jug, Toby
Artist
Bill Barrisford
Maker
Homer Laughlin China Company
(American ceramics manufactory, founded 1871)
Date1939
Mediumceramic (glazed earthenware)
Dimensionsoverall H 4 3/4 in x W 4 in x D 5 1/4 in (12.1 cm x 10.2 cm x 13.3 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small cream pitcher with handle in the form of George Washington’s head finished with an ivory vellum glaze. The tricorne hat perched on his head forms the spout. An adhesive sticker on the side of the hat has the typed number “D-28-55.”
On the underside of the pitcher, “NO. 1” is impressed into the surface. Stamped in black on the underside of the pitcher: "FIRST EDITION / FOR COLLECTORS LIMITED TO ONE HUNDRED PIECES." Also on the underside is a handwritten message in blue that states: "PRESENTED TO FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT WITH GREETINGS FROM 'THE AMERICAN POTTER' JOINT EXHIBIT CAPITAL + LABOR NEW YORK WORLDS FAIR 1939."
Historical NoteThis George Washington character cream pitcher No. 1 was sent to Franklin D. Roosevelt in May 1939 by John E. Dowsing, Manager of "The American Potter" exhibit at the 1939 New York World's Fair. Modeled by Bill Barrisford of the Homer Laughlin China Company, the pitcher was presented on behalf of the United States Potters Association and the National Brotherhood of Operative Potters.On the underside of the pitcher, “NO. 1” is impressed into the surface. Stamped in black on the underside of the pitcher: "FIRST EDITION / FOR COLLECTORS LIMITED TO ONE HUNDRED PIECES." Also on the underside is a handwritten message in blue that states: "PRESENTED TO FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT WITH GREETINGS FROM 'THE AMERICAN POTTER' JOINT EXHIBIT CAPITAL + LABOR NEW YORK WORLDS FAIR 1939."
The jug was issued to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the inauguration of the first president of the United States, and was the first piece of pottery made as part of the pottery exhibition.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on July 20, 1940. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.In Collection(s)
Not on view