Teacup, Saucer, and Plate
MakerMade by
John Maddock & Sons Ltd.
(English, founded 1855)
RetailerSold by
James M. Shaw & Co.
(American)
Date1896-1898
MediumMechanically-molded ironstone with underglaze green decoration
DimensionsComponent (height x width including handle x depth of teacup): 2 1/8 x 4 5/8 x 3 5/8in. (5.4 x 11.7 x 9.2cm)
Component (diameter of saucer): 6 3/16in. (15.7cm)
Component (diameter of plate): 8 1/2in. (21.6cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineGift of Harry L. Perkins
Object number1906.10.1-.3
DescriptionA single place setting consisting of a round, ironstone teacup (.1), saucer (.2), and plate (.3). Each object is decorated with a green, transfer-printed underglaze border titled, "Belmar". The border consists of a scalloped line at the edge of the rim, which connects to swags of flowers. Some of the swags hang down the full width of the rim of the plate; they are made up of three flowers on a vine with various sized leaves. The teacup is decorated with this border circling the rim and sides. It has a molded and applied loop handle that is also decorated with a portion of the green border. The border appears on the rim of both the plate and the saucer. The hanging floral portions of the border on the saucer are more densely printed than on the plate.
The teacup has a hairline crack running through the handle.
NotesHistorical Note: On 3 July 1898, United States forces demolished the Spanish squadron at Santiago, Cuba, in one of the two major naval actions in the Spanish American War. The "Vizcaya" was an armored Spanish cruiser that sustained considerable damage in the fighting and was eventually run aground. This plate, cup, and saucer were removed from the "Vizcaya" by Lyman B. Perkins.The teacup has a hairline crack running through the handle.
Owner Note: According to museum records, the teacup, saucer, and plate are "said to have been 'taken from the wreck of the Spanish vessel 'The Vizcaya' by Lyman B. Perkins of Hartford'" and donated to the museum by his son, Harry L. Perkins. Lyman Burnham Perkins, USNR, was commissioned 12 May 1898, and is listed in "Record of Service of Connecticut Men in Army, Navy, Marine Corps of the United States in the Spanish American War, Philippine Insurrection and China Relief Expedition from April 21 1898 to July 4, 1904" (Published 1919 by Case, Lockwood & Brainard, Hartford). The Connecticut Historical Society has acquired many objects relating to the Spanish-American War through Harry L. Perkins, that were collected by Lyman B. Perkins. (Malley and Hunt 10/1/2004)
Use Note: These dishes may not have been part of the official ship's service used on the "Vizcaya" during the Spanish-American War. Instead, they could have been brought aboard for unofficial or for personal use. (Malley and Hunt 10/1/2004)
Status
Not on view
