Antique Majolica Measham Bargeware teapot with the traditional trecle glaze in a rich dark chocolate color and a fancy mini teapot finial or knob, Excellent display condition with no chips, cracks or crazing. (c. late 1800's) The fancy teapot finial or knob on the lid is one of the most desirable!
This antique pottery china teapot features colorful birds, flowers, foliage and a banner which reads, "Home Sweet Home".
Measham Ware, as the original was called, was typically decorated with rather coarsely modeled applique flowers, foliage, fruit and birds highlighted in red, blue and green and often with a panel or banner personalized by being impressed with a printer’s typeface while wet. The majority of Measham pottery came in the form of teapots, but bowls, jugs, beakers and tobacco jars are not uncommon. The teapots are often generous in size, the covers with fancy finials modeled in the form of acorns and sometimes (several) small teapots.
Measham pottery (or barge ware as it is often called) was not actually made there, but in nearby Church Gresley, primarily by Mason, Cash & Co with smaller manufacturers in Woodville and Swadlincote. It was extensively marketed through a shop on Measham High Street owned by a Mrs Ann Bonas and being close to the canal bridge was favored by passing barges who were able order a piece and collect the personalized gift on their return journey. Most bargeware was sold to the working boatmen and boatwomen, whose cargo-carrying took them along the Asby Canal.
From the last quarter of the nineteenth century the name Annie Bonas was as familiar with local boaters as were Ribbon Plates, Roses and Castles and Measham Ware itself. Legend has it that it become known as barge ware because it was extensively marketed through a shop on Measham High Street owned by a Mrs Annie Bonas. The last known pieces being dated 1914.
This antique Majolica Measham Bargeware (Barge Ware) teapot (tea pot) with trecle glaze measures 7.5" tall, 7.5" from the outside edge of the handle to the outside edge of the spout, 5.5" in diameter around the portly body and 4.75" to the lip of the teapot. No maker's mark noted.
A2909 - Antique Measham Majolica BARGEWARE Teapot Tea Pot Mini Teapot Finial Knob Trecle Glaze
$250.00
