Gravy boat with Gettysburg scene of Lincoln at cemetery (SOLD)

This is another great item being offered, it is an Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg address, gravy boat. The transfer scene (both sides) is of a standing Abraham Lincoln outside of the Evergreen Cemetery in Gettysburg, giving his famous Gettysburg address at the dedication of the National Cemetery in November 1863. It has a scalloped red floral handle and measures 8 1/2inches x 3 1/2 inches tall. Although unmarked, these are known to be made by Homer & Shakespeare Laughlin.

Homer and Shakespeare Laughlin, two brothers from East Liverpool, Ohio, formed a partnership in 1871 to sell pottery ware, which was made in the factories located in their hometown. The pottery industry in East Liverpool had begun in the 1840's, manufacturing yellow ware from the rich deposits of local clay and utilizing the Ohio River to transport their products throughout the region. By 1870, public preference was shifting from the relatively crude yellow ware to a more sophisticated white ware that was being imported from England. Local potters saw the need for change and the East Liverpool City Council offered $5,000 in seed money to someone who would build and operate a pottery to produce white ware.

The Laughlin Brothers submitted a proposal which was accepted by the Council and a two-kiln plant was built on the banks of the Ohio River in 1873. The plant was built on land purchased from Benjamin Harker for $300. Mr. Harker's pottery was located next door. The Laughlin Brothers quickly gained a reputation for quality and, in 1876, their white granite ware won an award at the United States Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. By 1877, Shakespeare, the younger brother, was ready to move on to pursue other interests. The business continued as an individual enterprise, Homer Laughlin China Works. The business continued to prosper through the 1880's and became one of the better-known manufacturers of ceramic dinnerware and toilet ware in the United States. This piece remains in excellent condition with no chips or cracks.

There is another one of these exact pieces currently being offered on an online auction with a starting bid of $350. This is the listing below: 

Item Overview from Early American Auction, Dec. 2017

Lot 206: Historical Staffordshire of Abraham Lincoln Delivering of the Gettysburg Address

Description: Abraham Lincoln Related
Abraham Lincoln's Delivering of the Gettysburg Address
(1866) Colorful Historical Staffordshire Gravy Boat, with an Ornate Vignette View of President Abraham Lincoln delivering his famous Gettysburg Address, Choice Extremely Fine.
(1866) This wonderful Staffordshire Gravy Boat has a rich colorful mulberry transfer image of President Abraham Lincoln delivering the Gettysburg Address, surrounded by military officers, dignitaries and the crowd, with various tents and an American Flag flying in the background. That vignette transfer is duplicated on both sides, with a floral and geometric designs adorn the serving handle. This lovely display piece measures 8.5" long from handle to lip by 3.5" high, being 2.5" wide at its base. Defect free, bright and superb in eye appeal. A similar piece sold in our October 2002 sale for $575 and a lesser quality specimen brought $826 in our EAHA Auction October 20, 2007 Lot 2034 and we have not had another since. Handsome and ready for display.

 Est: $600 - $800 and starting at $350