Late 18th Century Pearlware Farmers Jug

Late 18th Century Pearlware Farmers Jug

A wonderful example of probably a late 18th century English Pearlware “Farmers Jug” used for carrying cider or beer to the men working in the fields at harvest time. It is extravagantly decorated with a colourful mixture of flowers, farming implements, and even a cider barrel, plus the words of a bucolic West country drinking song, with 18th century spelling. This and other similar songs would have been lustily sung at every crowded and jolly Harvest Festival and Harvest Supper, or, more probably, at the village pub, once the crops had all been safely gathered in:

Let the wealthy and great

Roll in splendor and state

I envy them not I declare it

I eat my own lamb

My own chickens and ham

I shear my own fleece and I wear it

I have lawns I have bowers

I have fruits I have flowers

The lark is my morning alarmer

So jolly boys now

Heres God speed the plough

Long life and success to the farmer

On the other side of this splendid Farmers Jug, contained within a decorated scroll, are also the immortal words:

Trust in God

Diligence

The Husbandman Provides Bread

Condition: Good, with surprisingly minor wear from use. No restoration at all, except there is a hidden white smear of glue or paint inside the base, which may be to cover a small crack. It is not significant, nor can it be seen when the jug stands in its normal upright position.

This delightful Farmers Jug would make an ideal Christmas or Birthday present to any person associated with Farming, Agriculture or the Land.

This lovely antique jug was probably produced in the era of King George III in the late 18th century and was manufactured in the Potteries at Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire. This was a period in history when Great Britain was achieving its apogee of power and wealth. The British Empire at its height was the largest empire in history and, for nearly a century, it was the foremost global power. The British Empire held sway over 400 million people, nearly a quarter of the world population at the time, and the Royal Navy was the most powerful navy in the world. This wonderful antique jug well represents the confidence and strength of this particular era.

All of the items that we advertise for sale have been as accurately described as possible and are in excellent condition, unless otherwise stated. Please note that we are also able to arrange a full shipping service for our customers.

We offer a 14 day returns policy. In the unlikely event that you are not completely satisfied with your purchase we will issue a full refund of the purchase price less the return transport costs with an approved courier once an item is received by us in the same condition as it was originally dispatched.

We look forward to being of service.