Past Imperfect, The Art of Inventive Repair

English salt-glaze stoneware cream jug with sprigged decoration entitled “The Kill”, made in the mid-1800’s, possibly in Derbyshire. The glass-like coating is achieved by adding salt to the kiln and firing at approx 1660 degrees F (780 degrees C). As the sodium chloride vaporizes and bonds with the silica in the clay, it creates a silicate glass “salt-glaze” finish.

Jug stands 4-1/2″ high and is 5″ wide.

Over 150 years ago, a tinsmith repaired the broken handle with a metal replacement, complete with thumb rest and straps.

A screw and metal strap, part of the molded sprigged decoration, “held” the original ceramic handle in place, and now an actual metal handle has replaced the broken handle.

This jug, similar in form and decoration, still has its original handle intact.

Photo courtesy of Flickr

A two-tone unsigned salt-glazed stoneware jug from England, possibly by Doulton Lambeth. The sprigged hunting scene & cupids decoration has a glass-like coating, achieved by adding salt to the kiln and firing at approx 1660 degrees F (780 degrees C). As the sodium chloride vaporizes and bonds with the silica in the clay, it creates a silicate glass “salt-glaze” finish

Jug stands 5-1/2″ tall and is 5-1/2″ wide

A detail of the applied sprig decoration to the front of the jug

Judging by the many chips along the rim, I am not surprised this jug lost its handle as well, as it was not doubt used daily for many years in an English pub

The tin handle with thumb grip and horizontal band replaces the original handle, created by a tinsmith in the middle to late 1800’s. Tin replacement handles are one of the most common types of inventive repairs and I have dozens of examples in my collection

This jug still has its original handle and gives an idea of what the handle on my mended piece would have originally looked like

Photo courtesy of WorthPoint