"CONSTITUTION and JAVA December 1812"

platter

CERAMICS
Josiah Wedgwood & Sons, Ltd.; Wales, George C.
England
1960-1969; 1938; 1812-12-29
ceramic; porcelain
overall: 15 3/8 x 18 5/8 x 1 3/8 in.

Wedgwood platter with transferware image of the battle between the USS CONSTITUTION and HMS JAVA which occurred on December 29, 1812 resulting in the USS CONSTITUTION's second victory of the War of 1812; platter manufactured between 1960 and 1969. Rim of platter decorated with a band around the edge and stars, an eagle sits at the top of the platter holding an olive branch and arrows in either talon. Image of the battle between the USS CONSTITUTION and HMS JAVA depicts the CONSTITUTION firing cannons directed at the JAVA causing damage to the masts and sails; printed on ribbon below 'CONSTITUTION AND JAVA December 29 1812'; signature below ribbon of original artist reads 'George C. Wales 1938'. Information printed on the back with history of the battle between the two ships; reads 'CONSTITUTION AND JAVA / H.M.S. JAVA (FORMERLY THE FRENCH FRIGATE LA RENOMEE) COMMANDED BY CAPTAIN HENRY LAMBERT, MET THE U.S. FRIGATE CONSTITUTION, COMMODORE WILLIAM BAINBRIDGE COMMANDING, ON THE 29TH OF December 1812 OFF THE COAST OF BRAZIL IN LIGHT AIRS AND A SMOOTH SEA. / AN ACTION OF OVER TWO HOURS FOLLOWED, BOTH SHIPS MANEUVERING CONSTANTLY FOR A RAKING POSITION; TOWARDS THE END THE JAVA BEING ALMOST DISMASTED AND UNMANAGEABLE, THE CONSTITUTION HAULED OFF TO MAKE REPAIRS TO HER BADLY CUT RIGGING. THIS IS THE MOMENT CHOSEN FOR THE PICTURE. / THE JAVA SURRENDERED ON THE RETURN OF THE CONSTITUTION AND WAS BLOWN UP NEXT DAY AFTER TRANSFER OF HER PEOPLE. / COMPILED FROM THE OFFICIAL REPORTS OF COMMODORE BAINBRIDGE U.S.N. AND LIEUTENANT CHADS R.N. / MADE FOR / AMERICAN HERITAGE / BY JOSIAH WEDGWOOD & SONS'; additional maker's stamps read 'WEDGWOOD / OF ETRURIA / & BARLASTON / MADE IN ENGLAND' and 'ENGRAVED BY THE WEDGWOOD STUDIOS'; physically stamped into the bottom of the plate 'WEDGWOOD / 9 W 63'. Overall excellent condition. Overall: 15 3/8 x 18 5/8 x 1 3/8 in.

2014.3.4