Hi All,

Hoping to solve a mystery. Prefacing that I believe this might be transferware, but I am not entirely certain. We are trying to identify this sherd, the heraldic crest, or any other information.

Context: This was excavated in Providence, Rhode Island USA in an archaeological dig site on the campus of Brown University. The site contains the remnants of 3 homes, some of which were moved to the site, and all of which were ultimately razed. Ceramic in the site is believed to be from the 19th-20th century. Construction in the surrounding areas has separated pieces from the homes they might have come from.

Details: The sherd seems to have come from a plate and has a slightly raised rim. Our rim calculations estimate the diameter to be 40-50 centimeters, which seems to indicate it might be a serving plate? The sherd is about four centimeters long. The back is blank white without any maker’s mark. Also appears to be gold leaf on the left of the crest.

Crest: The crest has a blue chief and blue pale stripe that from a T shape and blue dots on a white background on either side of the chief stripe. There is writing under the crest (which research indicates could mean it is British as opposed to Scottish?), but the letters/language are difficult to discern. There is an intentional crinkle in the ribbon, so the first word of the motto is intact, but it is not legible. It appears to be only two or three letters, and the second letter seems to be an “L”. Possibilities we considered are “IL,” “OL,” “UL,” “ITL” but none make much sense except for “IL,” but the first letter is not a convincing I. The second word is illegible and broken off but the first letter appears to be an “E” (unconfirmed). On top of the crest is a single turret/tower (which I am told could be indicative of a municipality or institution rather than a family?).

I know it’s a long shot, but if anyone has any thoughts, research suggestions, or resources it would be appreciated!