Revolutionary War era Westerwald Stein with initials, circa 1730 – 1760, as in museums (ON HOLD,MR)

This is another early piece coming out of a large Revolutionary War collection. A significant portion of this collection has been artillery related, but there are also medical and personal items.

Being offered is an 18th century Westerwald Tavern Stein. It has the pewter flip-top lid and measures 6” to the top pewter finial of the lid and has a diameter of 3”. Engraved on the pewter lid, probably by a jeweler, are the letters “M A”, probably the original owner. This unique tankard came out of a 1700s tavern in upstate New York.

In the late 17th century and throughout the 18th century, the Westerwald stoneware industry flourished. Crowned initials of English monarchs were common on vessels made for British markets. Westerwald stoneware was traded up the Rhine River into the Low Countries and distributed via Dutch merchants to the British Isles and beyond.

A significant increase in the number of potters in the second quarter of the 17th century led to the production of new and different forms and types of decoration, making products from the area easily recognizable. While excavating at Jamestown, Virginia, there were Westerwald jugs, tankards, and chamber pots found at the Jamestown Settlement in Virginia until 1775 (see pictures).

The Westerwald stoneware vessels recovered from James Fort were brought from England with their wealthy owners. Objects of a later date, however, may have been obtained directly from Dutch trading vessels. There are many examples of Westerwald in the Colonial Williamsburg Museum, as well as excavated pieces (see pictures). There are also fragments recovered at Fort Ticonderoga, NY (see pictures).

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find, and I am fortunate to have quite a few pieces in stock. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in purchases.