Circa 1820s: General Marquise de Lafayette's 1824-1825 tour of the United States was wildly popular among the American people, and the last surviving French general to fight in America's Revolutionary War was greeted enthusiastically along his route. Many objects were made to commemorate Lafayette's historic visit, and English potters James and Ralph Clews were quick to jump on this bandwagon, producing a line of dark blue transferware which featured a print of "The Landing of General Lafayette at Castle Garden, New York, 16 August, 1824. Shrewdly, the Clews Brothers used this print on a wide variety of plates, platters, and hollowware, including this 2 3/4"H x 5 1/8"D waste bowl, making Lafayette's Landing one of the most recognizable historical Staffordshire patterns manufactured by any firm. Condition on this fine dark blue waste bowl is excellent with one very minor nick on the bottom of the rim as photographed and no other chips, cracks or repairs.
Bob Zordani and Heidi Kellner: (217) 714-5016, Lexington, Virginia: zandk@zandkantiques.com
