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Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form Posted by Karen Stopper on July 17, 2008, 12:05 pm 97.115.47.189 I recently acquired a large flat form of a pitcher with slightly concave back, that I was told is a salesman's sample for a pitcher and bowl set. The handle is not 'cut out', and the solid piece of the handle has a hole in it, supposedly for a rope or cord to hold a few of these together for the lady of the house to choose her pattern and style. It is in browns and gold colors, on pottery with lush roses and an elegant design, by Crown Devon Potteries. I can send a picture if needed for identification. Is this piece as rare as I am told? No valuation necessary, but information much appreciated!  Post a Response

Re: Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form Posted by Andrew J Pye on July 17, 2008, 1:29 pm, in reply to "Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form" 84.92.89.69 Hi Karen I may get this technically wrong from a potters viewpoint! Pitchers are made in moulds, with liquid clay being poured in to form the shape. Looking at larger pitchers you can see a "join" running bang down the front of the pitcher. I am not sure if pitchers were made in two halves and then "joined" or if this is where the two halves of the mould came together allowing some clay to protrude and form the "join" on the pitcher. Anyway however it was done you can fill one half of the mould and create half a pitcher. Ideal as a traveller's sample, as they take half the space and you can stack them together. I have never actually seen one, but Jonathan and Christopher Weatherby of J W Weatherby & Sons Ltd of Hanley told me some years ago that their Mother had a wall at her home covered with these half pitchers made over the years by the family pottery. The only pitchers that will hang flat on the wall. So I guess that is what you have there. Presumably the special handle was attached to reduce risk of breakage. I would say a pretty rare item, almost as rare as hen's teeth. Has anybody else got one or seen one? Regards Andrew  Post a Response

Re: Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form Posted by Karen Stopper on July 17, 2008, 1:37 pm, in reply to "Re: Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form" 97.115.47.189 Thank you, Andrew, for the information. The few really serious collectors whom I know all tell me that they have never seen one. The concave part is really shallow, so I doubt it was a 'half pitcher', although I know what you mean by the process of creating the piece. The Board Host asked me to send pictures, but I only know about sending them from my computer picture file, not URL-wise. How can I do this? If I am not able, the pictures are up on my Ruby Lane Shop, accessible by my name. It is item #KS564. I hope it is 'legal' to say all this; I am new to this website and don't want to break any rules! Regards, Karen Stopper  Post a Response

Re: Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form Posted by Andrew J Pye on July 17, 2008, 1:51 pm, in reply to "Re: Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form" 84.92.89.69 Hi Karen There is a link at the top of the page about loading images. I have had a quick look and your piece appears to have been made specifically as a sample. A sort of squashed half pitcher. Incidentally, the backstamp looks like Bishop and Stonier rather than Crown Devon, but could not see it too clearly. Regards Andrew  Post a Response

Re: Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form Posted by Karen Stopper on July 17, 2008, 1:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form" 97.115.47.189 Andrew ~ You are correct ~ Bishop and Stonier marks. Don't know where I got Crown Devon, other than it looks like their colors and decoration. Thanks for taking a look; I did send two pictures to the Webmaster. Karen  Post a Response

Re: Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form Posted by Web Administrator on July 17, 2008, 1:18 pm, in reply to "Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form" 76.216.8.49 Karen: PLEASE do send us a picture. This looks like a very interesting item. Thanks!  Post a Response

Re: Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form Posted by Karen Stopper on July 17, 2008, 2:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form" 97.115.47.189 I did send two pictures; did you receive them? KS  Post a Response

Re: Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form Posted by Web Administrator on July 17, 2008, 3:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Salesman's Sample Pitcher Form" 76.216.8.49 It may take a few days our web master to post! Thanks for submitting  Post a Response

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