Victorian Staffordshire Pearlware Mug: Odd Fellows Commemorative, c. 1850s
£300.00
Skip to product information
Early Victorian Pearlware Commemorative Mug - Odd Fellows Manchester Unity, c.1850s
An early Victorian white pearlware commemorative mug with black transfer-printed decoration, produced in Staffordshire around the 1850s. This piece was made for the "Widows and Orphans of Independent Odd Fellows Manchester Unity," one of the most recognised Friendly Societies in the Commonwealth.
The mug bears the slogan "Unity is Strength" and features a central armorial shield with a stylised motto, "Amicitia Amor et Veritas" (Friendship, Love and Truth), though the Latin is rendered incorrectly. The design embodies the values of the Odd Fellows organisation, which emphasised community support and charitable work over the personal advancement more typical of other fraternal societies such as the Freemasons.
Formed in 18th-century London, the Odd Fellows movement arose from guild traditions, aiming to assist the working class through mutual aid, benevolence, and solidarity. Their mottos and symbolism continue to resonate as emblems of Victorian social reform and mutual support.
Measurements
Height: 10.5 cm
Diameter: 10 cm
Weight: 273 g
Condition
Very good antique condition. There is a chip to the base and some minor wear to the enamel around the rim. A small area of loss to the transfer print appears to be a factory flaw. All wear is consistent with age. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Feel free to reach out with any questions before purchasing.
Victorian Staffordshire Pearlware Mug: Odd Fellows Commemorative, c. 1850s
£300.00
An early Victorian white pearlware commemorative mug with black transfer-printed decoration, produced in Staffordshire around the 1850s. This piece was made for the "Widows and Orphans of Independent Odd Fellows Manchester Unity," one of the most recognised Friendly Societies in the Commonwealth.
The mug bears the slogan "Unity is Strength" and features a central armorial shield with a stylised motto, "Amicitia Amor et Veritas" (Friendship, Love and Truth), though the Latin is rendered incorrectly. The design embodies the values of the Odd Fellows organisation, which emphasised community support and charitable work over the personal advancement more typical of other fraternal societies such as the Freemasons.
Formed in 18th-century London, the Odd Fellows movement arose from guild traditions, aiming to assist the working class through mutual aid, benevolence, and solidarity. Their mottos and symbolism continue to resonate as emblems of Victorian social reform and mutual support.
Measurements
Height: 10.5 cm
Diameter: 10 cm
Weight: 273 g
Condition
Very good antique condition. There is a chip to the base and some minor wear to the enamel around the rim. A small area of loss to the transfer print appears to be a factory flaw. All wear is consistent with age. Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description.
Shipping & Packaging
Shipped fully tracked and insured.
Shipping cost includes labour, packaging, and postage.
Feel free to reach out with any questions before purchasing.