Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2019.001.002 |
Object Name |
Tankard |
Title |
Lewis Bros Ceramics Douglass House Tankard |
Description |
The tankard is white and cylindrical, featuring a black-and-white image of the Douglass House on the front. Both the top and bottom of the tankard are framed with silver rims. The picture is framed by a black inscription that reads, "DOUGLASS HOUSE" at the top and "TRENTON, NEW JERSEY" at the bottom. The image is taken from the right side of the building, showing a two-story house with an attic on top and a chimney on the right side. The first story has three visible windows-two in the front and one on the right side-along with a small door and porch to the left of the front windows. The second story shows four visible windows, three in the front and one on the right side. The attic has one window visible on the right side of the house, and there is also a small door near the ground, presumably leading to the basement. To the left of the building is what appears to be a wall, while to the right are three trees, some shrubbery, and a lamppost. The right side of the tankard features a handle in the shape of a half-heart, with a small portion jutting out near the top. Beneath this portion, a long, thick silver line extends nearly from top to bottom. On the back of the tankard is a black-and-white picture of Alexander Douglass, a Caucasian man wearing a powdered wig and an 18th-century American military uniform. His wig is tied in a ponytail with a ribbon. The uniform includes a jacket with three stars on the shoulder and a ruffled shirt. Surrounding the image is a black inscription that reads, "COUNCIL OF WAR. BATTLE OF ASSUNPINK. JANUARY 2, 1777. LANDMARK TANKARD NO.2. SPONSORED BY THE TRENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY." The top of the tankard is open, revealing the inside, which has two indentations near the top and bottom of the handle. This tankard comes with a note that reads: "The Trenton Historical Society is proud to announce a series of ceramic Landmark Tankards, featuring places of historical significance. Issues depicting different subjects will be made periodically until we have covered the breadth of our local heritage. The tankards are designed by Peggy Peplow Gummere and produced by Lewis Brothers Ceramics, Inc. of Trenton, ensuring that the entire production is of Trenton origin. The first issue, the Eagle Tavern Tankard, has been well received, and the second, the Douglass House, is due soon. We look forward to each new issue in the coming years with great enthusiasm. These tankards are to be proudly owned and make distinguished gifts. Giving each issue, on an appropriate occasion, as a gift-whether to a child or adult-would bring lasting pleasure and celebrate our unique historical heritage. All profits from this tankard venture will go toward the restoration of the Eagle Tavern. They are both beautiful and for a good cause. To reserve yours, please call Mrs. Burrows at 695-6461 or Mrs. Mitchell at 295-9245." According to Crossroads of the American Revolution, the Douglass House was home to Alexander Douglass, the Quartermaster of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. George Washington used this house as his headquarters during the Second Battle of Trenton. It was here that Washington met with his top officers and devised a plan to escape Trenton before British General Cornwallis could attack in the morning. This escape led to the Battle of Princeton. Citations Alexander Douglass House – Trenton, NJ. Crossroads of the American Revolution. (n.d.). https://revolutionarynj.org/storyline_photo2/alexander-douglass-house-trenton-nj/ |
Date |
1975 or earlier |
Material |
Ceramic |
Artist |
Lewis Bros Ceramics (Probable) |
Height (in) |
5.500 |
Length (in) |
5.500 |
Diameter (in) |
3.500 |
Condition |
Good |
Condition Notes |
Overall: Chipped paint, accretions, and abrasions throughout Front: The silver line on top is heavily chipped. The silver line on the bottom is slightly chipped. And finally, there are a few black accretions on the cup itself. Right Side: There are faint scratches on the long silver line on the handle. Back: The silver line on top is heavily chipped. Also, the silver line on the bottom is slightly chipped near the left side of the center. Right Side: The silver line on top is extremely chipped. There are multiple abrasions near the upper middle portion of the left side. Also, there is an abrasion near the upper - lower portion of the right side. Top: There is dirt on the bottom of the cup. Also, there is an abrasion on the rim Bottom: The rim is covered with dirt, black accretions, and abrasions. |
Inscription Type |
Inscription |
Inscription Location |
Front, top to bottom, center |
Inscription Technique |
Stamped |
Inscription Text |
"DOUGLASS HOUSE" Line 1 "TRENTON, NEW JERSEY" Line 2 Back, top to bottom, left to right "COUNCIL" Line 1 "of" Line 2 "WAR" Line 3 "BATTLE" Line 4 "of" Line 5 "ASSUNPINK" Line 6 "JANUARY 2, 1777" Line 7 "LANDMARK TANKARD NO. 2" Line 8 "SPONSORED BY" Line 9 "TRENTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY" Line 10 |
People |
Peggy Peplow Gummere George Washington Alexander Douglass |
Classification |
Historic Sites Domestic Life/Household Goods Business & Commerce People Architecture |
Subjects |
Houses Historic Sites War War allies Water Drinking vessels Generals Military officers Architecture |
Search Terms |
House Water Ceramic Historic Site War Revolutionary War Trenton Peggy Peplow Gummere Judy L Winkler George Washington Alexander Douglass White Black 1970s 1700s 1776 1777 January 2nd Battle of Trenton Pottery 20th Century Tankard 18th Century Lewis Bros Ceramics Lewis Bros Ceramics Douglass House Tankard Revolutionary War |
Provenance |
This item was donated by Judy L WInkler. It became part of the Trenton Public Library's Museum Collection in January of 2019. |