Platter
MakerMade by
John & George Alcock
English, 1839 - 1846
RetailerSold by
James Tams & Co.
American, mid 19th century
Date1839-1846
MediumDrape-molded earthenware with green transfer-printed decoration
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (width x depth): 17 5/8 x 13 3/4in. (44.8 x 34.9cm)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineBequest of Annie M. Johnson
DescriptionRectangular earthenware platter with green transfer-printed decoration in the "Roscius" pattern. The "Roscius" pattern consists of a loose grouping of flowers, including roses, in the center of the platter. The border, found at the rim of the platter, consists of a dense series of swagged leaves and abstract shapes inspired by neoclassical forms.
Object number1927.16.10
MarkingsImpressed mark "J. & G. ALCOCK/ COBRIDGE", on underside of platter. Transfer printed mark "ROSCIUS/ JAMES TAMS & Co./ PHILADELPHIA." on underside of the rim of the platter.NotesMaker Note: The impressed mark on the bottom of the platter refers to John & George Alcock of Cobridge, manufacturing earthenwares between 1839 and 1846, one of the Staffordshire Potteries in Staffordshire, England (now Stoke-on-Trent). The platter bears a second transfer-printed mark that refers to the name of the pattern, "Roscius," and James Tams & Co. of Philadelphia. James Tams is most likely one of many nineteenth-century English immigrants to the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Trenton, New Jersey, areas who had been connected with the Staffordshire Potteries in England. James Tams was most likely a merchant who imported the earthenwares of John & George Alcock for sale in Philadelphia. An individual by the name of Tams is associated with the 1868 founding of the Greenwood Pottery in Trenton, New Jersey. This could be James Tams or a relative associated with the Staffordshire Potteries at one time. (Hunt 7/23/2004)Subject Terms
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