The earliest known dated example of Nottingham ware is the remarkably fine posset-pot (Fig. [812]), in the possession of my friend, the Rev. J. S. Doxey, by whom it was thus described for my “Reliquary”:—[103]
“It is a Posset-pot of the general form (Jewitt’s “Life of Wedgwood,” pp. 64–65), fashioned with more than ordinary care and lightness. It is made of very hard and durable ware, and has, as usual, a light brown lustrous glaze. It stands 10½ inches, and at the top is 9½ inches in diameter. It is of a very unusual mode of construction, the ‘belly’ part having double sides, the outer of which is ornamented with foliage and flowers, the stalks being incised and the flowers and leaves being perforations. There is, moreover, the following remarkable peculiarity, which may be partially seen in the engraving. A tube commencing about an inch from the top, is passed down the exterior side as far as the top of the ‘belly,’ where it passes through and is continued to the bottom of the interior. This tube, I imagine, had originally a mouth-piece, which is unfortunately broken off, and was so constructed that a draught of the posset liquor could by suction be taken apart from the bread, spices, &c. Between the handles, on the upper part, on the tube side, is inscribed in cursive characters the following:—
Fig. 812.
“Occupying a space 5 inches broad and 5½ in height, on the other side, in a similar position are to be seen the Royal arms of the period (William III.) with crest, supporters, and garter, with motto. Though this cup is of the same general form as the Posset-pot, and may have been used as such, it may also have been used on occasions of mayoral and other hospitality as a ‘loving-cup,’ or as some would prefer to call it, from its having only two handles, a ‘parting-cup.’ Samuel Watkinson, the owner of the Posset-pot, or in whose honour it was made, was no mean person. From Throsby’s Thoroton’s ‘History of Nottingham,’ I learn he was elected on three several occasions (1700, 1708, 1715) Mayor, or as it is more correctly put on the Posset-pot, Major of Nottingham.”
In Mr. Briscoe’s possession is a good specimen of the brown mugs so characteristic of Nottingham ware. It is 5½ inches in height, 2⅞ inches in diameter at the bottom, and wider at the top, and will hold about half a pint. It was discovered during excavations in Victoria Street, Nottingham, close to the site of the Old Ship inn, of “Gideon Giles” notoriety.
Figs. 813 and 814.