Earthenware pitcher has transferware pattern

Q: I hope you can give me some information on this pitcher I purchased it in Maine in 1973. It is about 9 inches tall and is decorated with a scene featuring several people in the foreground and tall buildings and trees in the background. The base is octagonal. I also included a photo of the mark. What can you tell me about it?

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AYour pitcher is an example of blue-andwhite Staffordshire earthenware. It is decorated with a transferware scene, and the pattern is “Cologne.” The mark you provided is so blurry that I could not make it out. Without a clear trademark, identifying the maker can be problematic. J& G Alcock Co. might have made your pitcher. It was located in Cobridge, Staffordshire, England, from 1839 to 1846.

The firm produced blue and white earthenware that was decorated with the transferware “Cologne” pattern. To make transferware, prints from original works of art were first engraved in copper, and then color was deposited on the copper. Next, transfer paper was pressed against the copper. The paper was applied to unglazed clay. The final step in the process was glazing and firing.

After closely looking at your photo, it appears there are repairs on the handle. Any repair, chip or crack diminishes its value. Your pitcher was made around 1840. If your pitcher were in mint condition, its value would be $75 to $125.

Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. This Staffordshire pitcher was decorated in the Cologne pattern.