English commemorative pottery jug, stands 7-1/2″ tall.
Has embossed figures of the Duke of York and Prince Cobourg.
Broken handle was replaced with a basic tin replacement handle.
An original jug showing handle intact.
Photo courtesy of Aurea Carter Antiques
American brown glazed stoneware bean pot with lid, measures 5-1/2″ high and is 8-1/2″ wide from handle to handle.
A mismatched lid from another piece has been “married” to this pot.
The lid has an incised number “2” on the top right edge.
This was most likely made in Ohio or Pennsylvania in the late 1800’s.
When the single applied stoneware handle broke off, twin metal handles and straps were attached to “improve” upon the original design. The small, lightweight handles are out scale with the heavy pot and have become misshapen from use.
A metal support strap around the top has a bolt and nut to insure a tight fit.
This pot still has its original single handle.
Photo courtesy of Cyber Attic
English salt glaze jug in molded relief “Bacchus & Grapes” pattern dates from the early 19th century.
Jug measures 4-3/4″ high and has an original pewter lid with replaced metal handle and support band.
This jug, exactly like mine, still maintains its original figural “Pan” handle.
Photo courtesy of David Pownall Willis
Also known as Bennington pottery, this yellow ware pottery pitcher has a lustrous manganese brown glaze. American Rockingham, made in Bennington, Vermont in the 19th century, is named for the Marquis of Rockingham, whose works produced a ware of similar color in England.
Jug measures 7-1/2″ high and has a replaced brass handle and straps, most likely made by an itinerant brazier. The unusual choice of brass compliments the warm glaze tones.
Similar jug showing what the handle on my jug might have looked like.
Photo courtesy of Ruby Lane
Baluster form pottery pepper pot from England with cobalt decoration, measures 4-1/4″ high.
A base carved from wood and painted blue to match the caster’s decoration replaces the original broken base.
Putty was added to the crudely carved wood base to adhere it to the bottom of the pot.
This Leeds pot with similar form and decoration has its base intact.
Photo courtesy of John D. Wahl Antiques
I am asked “What is your favorite antique with inventive repair?” often by friends and colleagues. So after years of vacillating, I am finally committing to giving an answer.
This little teapot…
I found this small globular teapot 5 years ago, and knew very little about it at the time. The dealer I purchased it from had no information regarding its origin or history, so it remains a bit of a mystery to me.
It is made of porcelain, measures 3-1/2″ high, 6-1/2″ wide and appears to be mass produced. The simple Art Deco inspired decoration of large and small navy blue dots help date the piece to the mid 1920’s -30’s. It reminds me of Czech pottery of the same period, so I am assuming it is from the same region.
No part of this poor teapot has escaped damage, making it by far the most altered piece in my collection.
There are 18 metal support staples, a replaced hand-hammered tin base, a large tin patch on one side, a mended chip on the lid grafted from another lid entirely, and a wire tether holding the lid in place.
The numerous metal staples (aka rivets) appear to be machine made and are reinforced with cement.
The original owner must have really cherished their teapot and made a great effort in trying to make it whole again.
If anyone has further information regarding the origins of this piece, please let me know.
And if you ask me “What is your favorite antique with inventive repair?” a year from now, I reserve the right to respond differently!
This Yixing (pronounced ee-shing) pottery teapot with paneled body and bracket base is made of purple clay and was meant for use with black and oolong teas.
Teapot measures 5-1/2″ high, 8-1/2″ wide.
Lid features a wonderfully detailed dog finial with movable pierced marble ball.
Damaged spout was replaced by this beautifully crafted silver replacement.
This Copeland Spode teapot with a similar shape was made in England, c.1879.
Photo courtesy of Ruby Lane
