Pearlware Prattware Spirit Flask Inscribed W. Nicklin June 12th 1838 - Antique Pilgrim Flask high temperature underglaze colours green black & red

An antique very early Victorian Pratt-ware or high temperature underglaze coloured pearlware pottery spirit flask in a flattened globular form with a short lipped cylindrical spout applied to the edge. Extensively decorated in Prattware underglaze colours of copper-green, iron-red and black. It comes complete with an antique silver plated topped cork stopper that fits exactly in the spout. 

On one side the central pattern is a large highly stylised pinkish red flower with scrolling stem, tendrils and leaves many of them in a heart shape. On the other side a similar design without the large central flower but with an inscription - W. Nicklin, June 12th 1838. Around the seams of the side and the spout is a simple decorative "c" black painted border 

This spirit flask or bottle has been made as two flat bottomed low bowl shapes and the two halves joined together. When the two halves were joined the spout would have been applied. This shape is also sometimes termed by collectors as a "Pilgrim Flask" because people carried these flasks (filled with water, ale or spirits including gin) on journeys or pilgrimages. They are also sometimes referred to as "Moon Flasks", after the name of the original Chinese design. 

The pot does not have a makers mark, and they are unknown but it was probably made in Staffordshire in England sometime around 1838. One potential maker is William Davenport of Longport, Stoke on Trent Staffordshire England. (Ref. 1).  Although the surname Nicklin originates in the Midlands, the colour palette may possibly indicate a Northern England or even a Scottish origin. 

The spirit flask is in good antique condition without chips, however there is a stabilised crack on the seam joint around the bottom half and some crazing to the glaze.  The silver plated cork stopper has been damaged at some time and has been repaired however when in place the damage cannot be seen. Please see the images. The condition is taken into account in the price.

The antique pearlware Prattware decorated spirit flask measures about 5 3/4 inches (14.5 cm) in diameter and about 6 3/4 inches (17 cm) tall and about 2inches (5 cm) deep. It weighs 378 grammes unpacked. The flask has a capacity of 3/4 pint or 450 ml.

A beautiful and rare, highly decorative item to add to any collection of antique Victorian pearlware or Pratt Ware, spirit flasks or hand coloured high temperature colour decorated ceramics. 

References

1. For a similar design painted pattern see Page 32 of Prattware - English and Scottish relief decorated  and underglaze coloured Earthenware 1780 -1840 by John and Griselda Lewis.