Pitcher

1860-1900

or later

Maker

Possibly Rockingham pottery

Measurements

8-1/2 in x 7-3/8 in x 5-1/2 in

Materials

Mottled brown lead glaze on yellow earthenware (Rockinghamware)

Credit Line

Historic Odessa Foundation, anonymous gift

Accession Number

2020.67

Inscription

“ROCKINGHAM” is impressed into the bottom in an arc just inside the foot ring.

Comments

This unusual pitcher has a large impressed mark of “ROCKINGHAM,” suggesting its manufacture by that important pottery, which was among the first to create mottled brown-glazed yellow earthenwares.  Preliminary research suggests that the maker's mark may be fraudulent, either executed in the period by a pottery to suggest a product made by an industry leader or made later to appeal to collectors.  In either case, this pitcher displays uncharacteristic features:  The shape of the body, having a cinched band below the rim, is unusual.  The horse's head mounted on the handle is simply odd.  The spout and rim shape are unlike mid-19th century examples.  Finally, the design molded into the pitcher sides is so shallow that it is difficult to read.

Other examples of this same pitcher are readily available on the marketplace suggesting that it was made in significant numbers in relatively recent years.