Staffordshire Orange Order Commemorative Jug, Polychrome Earthenware, C.1840-1850

A mid-19th-century Staffordshire Orange Order commemorative jug, circa 1840-1850. Its substantial globular Dutch-shaped body rises to a cylindrical neck with a projecting spout and a large loop handle.

Made in creamware, the jug is decorated with three black transfer-printed designs, hand-coloured in blue, green, iron-red, yellow and pink enamels. Copper-pink lustre bands accent the rim, neck, foot and handle, while floral sprays fill the spaces between the three panels.

The jug commemorates the Orange Order, a Protestant fraternal organisation founded in Ireland in 1795. Although distinct from regular Freemasonry, the Orange Order took its symbolic vocabulary directly from Freemasonry, especially from the Royal Arch tradition.

Two opposing sides carry identical large circular Orange Order medallions, each enclosed by an outer band naming the twelve signs of the Zodiac. The upper arch is inscribed "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" and centred by a winged cherub's head above a radiant All-Seeing Eye. Above it, a second band carries the cipher "HPE JT PVS HVJEF", in which each letter is shifted forward by one, giving "GOD IS OUR GUIDE".

The paired medallions feature the pillars and Temple of Solomon, Noah's Ark and returning dove, Sun, Moon and stars, crossed swords, scales, ladder, open book, working tools, brazen serpent, cock, hourglass, coffin and skull and crossbones. Together, they invoke divine guidance, justice, vigilance, labour, mortality and moral conduct. The outer ribbon is inscribed "PROTESTANT ASCENDANCY", a statement of the Order's historic purpose: loyalty to the British Crown, defence of Protestant religion and support for Protestant interests in Ireland and Britain.

The third printed panel beneath the spout depicts two Orangemen in sashes shaking hands beneath a crown and the initials "V R" for Victoria Regina. The arch above reads "LET BROTHERLY LOVE CONTINUE", from Hebrews 13:1, while the paired figures and Crown express the Order's ideals of fraternity and loyalty to the Protestant monarchy. The cartouche below carries the verse: "MAY ORANGE MEN TRUE, THEIR RIGHTS PURSUE, AS HONOR CROWNS THEIR CAUSE, THEIR CHURCH AND KING, AND EVERY THING, THAT CONSTITUTES THEIR LAWS."

The underside retains an old black paper collection inventory label numbered 207. The jug comes from the collection of an English gentleman.

Dimensions: height 20.6 cm; width including handle 25 cm; body diameter 18.5 cm; weight 1046 g. Condition: there is a star-shaped hairline to the base, not visible inside, and a small internal hairline not visible externally. There is a small footrim chip, small losses to the copper lustre at the upper rim with a locally overpainted area, and overpainting to the inner side of the handle. Overall crazing and internal darkening are present. The three transfer-printed designs have survived in notably strong condition. Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Shipping costs include handling, packaging and postage.