Pitcher
Liverpool, England
1788-1795
Measurements
10-3/4 in x 9-5/8 in x 6-7/8 in (dia)
Materials
Transfer-printed white earthenware (creamware)
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, The David Wilson Mansion, Inc.
Accession Number
1971.726
Inscription
“GDJ / SUCCESS TO THE BROTHERS / JAs. JEFFERIS, MASTER” is printed onto one side; “A HEART THAT CONCEALS, / AND THE TONGUE THAT NEVER REVEALS” is printed on the opposite side. “G” in a Masonic compass and square; and “OL No. 257” is printed below the spout.
A typed label once attached to the outside bottom said, "LIVERPOOL WARE. THIS SHIP, / "THE BROTHERS" WAS ONCE OWNED BY / CAPTAIN JAMES JEFFERIS WHO WAS HIS OWN SUPER CARGO AND CAPTAIN. / HE LIVED AT THIS TIME ON / /THE BRANDYWINE OPPOSITE THE PRESENT / /WATERWORKS. HE SAILED HIS SHIP FROM / MARKET ST. ON THE CHRISTIANA ON VOY / AGES OF TWO OR THREE YEARS DURATION. STARTING GRAIN FROM WILMINGTON, HE / WOULD EXCHANGE CARGOES AT VARIOUS PORTS / UNTIL FROM CHINA HE RETURNED LADENED WITH ORIENTAL PRODUCTS AND CURIOSITIES."
According to a conservation report of October 9, 2003, the label remained on the pitcher and a second, loose handwritten label was inside. Both labels are now missing.
Condition Notes
The body has two stress cracks, one near the spout and the other at the base of the handle. The rim and outer edge of the base have been restored. 2003 and 2007 treatment reports are in the object folder.
Provenance
Ex coll. Mrs. E. Tatnall (Mary Corbit) Warner
Comments
The decoration incorporates the inscription “GDJ / SUCCESS TO THE BROTHERS/ JAs. JEFFERIS MASTER.” Reference to Capt. James Jefferis (c. 1758–1822) uniquely documents this pitcher as property of the father of Ann Jefferis, the first wife of David Wilson Jr. The accession number confirms that this large pitcher was among objects gathered from family members for installation in the Wilson-Warner House by Mary Corbit Warner. The pitcher references a ship named "The Brothers," captained by Jefferis. The same ship captained by Jefferis is noted on an engraved brass plaque attached to a late-19th century stand by its owner, Mary Corbit Warner (accession no. 1971.642).
"The Brothers" is known to have delivered passengers to Wilmington in 1789, although the year it was launched is unknown. Similarly, the year it was decommissioned is unknown.
Assuming the elaborate script initials on the ship side of the pitcher are "GDJ," their significance is unknown. James Jefferis married Deborah Hunt in 1781, but the "G" identity is unknown.
The meaning of “OL No. 257” below the Masonic symbols is also unknown.
