Demitasse and Saucer
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
United States Navy
(American)
MakerTeacup made by
Greenwood China Company
(American, 1868 - 1933)
MakerSaucer made by
Maddock Pottery Company
(American, 1892 - 1922)
RetailerTeacup sold by
Jas M. Shaw & Co.
(American)
RetailerSaucer sold by
Higgins & Seiter
(American)
Date1905-1907
MediumMechanically-molded porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration and overglaze gilding
DimensionsComponent (height x width including handle x depth of demitasse): 2 7/8 x 3 1/4 x 2 1/2in. (7.3 x 8.3 x 6.4cm)
Component (diameter of saucer): 4 3/4in. (12.1cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
Object number1950.293.1-.2
DescriptionRound, heavy, white, porcelain demitasse and saucer with underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze gilded decoration.
The demitasse (.1) has a plain rim, tapered sides, and a round bottom. A wide line of gilding with a thin line of blue circles the outside of the rim. There is an additional thin line of gilding at the foot. The demitasse has a molded and applied handle, with a circular opening, that is gilded along the outside edges and circular opening. The seal of the United States Navy, applied with gilding, is located opposite the handle. The circular seal consists of the words, "DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY" in a border, surrounding an eagle with outstretched wings, a shield-shaped body, and an anchor in its claws. Some of the gilding is worn off the handle. There is a hairline crack running from the rim down the body of the demitasse, to the left of the seal. There is a slight discoloration around the crack. Inside, a light blue powdery substance has adhered to the bottom of the demitasse, possibly beneath the glaze.
The saucer (.2) has a similar series of decorations, with a wide line of gilding and a thin line of blue inside, both circling the rim. There is an additional thin line of gilding at the inside of the rim, where the rim dips down to form the bottom of the saucer. The gilded seal of the United States Navy is applied on the rim. A hairline crack is visible to the left of the seal.
NotesHistorical Note: According to museum records, this demitasse and saucer were used in the Officer's mess of United States Frigate "Hartford."The demitasse (.1) has a plain rim, tapered sides, and a round bottom. A wide line of gilding with a thin line of blue circles the outside of the rim. There is an additional thin line of gilding at the foot. The demitasse has a molded and applied handle, with a circular opening, that is gilded along the outside edges and circular opening. The seal of the United States Navy, applied with gilding, is located opposite the handle. The circular seal consists of the words, "DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY" in a border, surrounding an eagle with outstretched wings, a shield-shaped body, and an anchor in its claws. Some of the gilding is worn off the handle. There is a hairline crack running from the rim down the body of the demitasse, to the left of the seal. There is a slight discoloration around the crack. Inside, a light blue powdery substance has adhered to the bottom of the demitasse, possibly beneath the glaze.
The saucer (.2) has a similar series of decorations, with a wide line of gilding and a thin line of blue inside, both circling the rim. There is an additional thin line of gilding at the inside of the rim, where the rim dips down to form the bottom of the saucer. The gilded seal of the United States Navy is applied on the rim. A hairline crack is visible to the left of the seal.
Historical Note: The U.S. Hartford was commissioned on 27 May 1859 and was involved in naval activities along the Gulf Coast during the Civil War. From 1899 to 1912, she was stationed in the Atlantic coast to be used as a training and cruise ship for midshipmen. The Hartford sank on 20 November 1956. (Source: Dictionary of American Fighting Ships, Vol III, 1968.)
Status
Not on view
