Large Philadelphia cobalt decorated stoneware presentation pitcher, attributed to Richard C. Remmey, with applied relief molded bust decoration of George Washington, encircled by an applied relief molded wreath beneath the spout, along with two smaller relief molded female busts above and below, possibly emblematic of Fortune and/or Lady Liberty. Incised script with cobalt highlights near base, "Coaquanock Lodge No. 463, I.O.O.F. " with the I.O.O. F. circle symbol flanking both sides of the inscription. Extensive cobalt floral decoration to both sides of body depicting leafy stems branching into two flower heads with additional leaf/feather decoration below the rim and flanking the spout. 13 3/8" H. Second half 19th century, possibly made to coincide with Washingtonís Centennial inauguration celebration. Note: A relief molded Washington pottery pitcher having decoration similar to this example can be found in "Decorated Stoneware Pottery of North America" by Donald Blake Webster, page 151, illustration 190. Biography (courtesy The American Odd Fellow, Volume 3, by John W. Orr, page 18, 1864): "Coaquanock Lodge, No. 463, was instituted on the 4th of March, 1852, in [Philadelphia], by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, since which time it has relieved 150 brothers in distress and sickness; 30 widowed families; and buried 15 brothers. Its present number of members in good standing is 122, principally of young men." Records for this lodge date until 1925. Provenance: Private Tennessee collection. (Higher-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)
Condition
Old staple repair to side and old repaired breaks to rim.