Plate, King of Prussia (matches sherds from Wetherburn's)

Dateca. 1756-1763

MediumStoneware, salt-glazed, white

DimensionsH: 1"; DIam: 9 5/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1967-50

DescriptionCircular plate, the wavy edged rim is divided into 6 panels by foliated scrolls molded in relief. Within the panels, in relief molding (clockwise): inscription: "SUCCESS/TO THE"; spread-winged angel on a trellis diaper ground; inscription: "KING OF/PRUSSIA"; head and shoulders of the king within a foliated scroll cartouche and on a trellis diaper ground; inscription "AND HIS/ FORCES"; and a trophy of a cannon, drum, and flag on a trellis diaper ground.
Label TextPlates and dishes bearing political sentiments were among goods available to consumers in early America. An advertisement for “Prussian” plates and dishes appeared in the Boston Gazette in 1758. Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, had invaded Saxony in 1756, thereby instigating the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763). As the principal ally of Prussia, Britain supported the war both on the Continent and in her North American colonies, where British troops and colonial militia were able to wrest territory from France, Britain and Prussia’s mutual enemy. In America, Frederick the Great is commemorated by place-names such as King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Stoneware, such as this plate, embellished with the motto “Success to the King of Prussia and His Forces” may be considered an eighteenth-century version of a political bumper sticker in support of the war.

This plate matches archaeological fragments recovered from Henry Wetherburn's Tavern.
Inscribed"SUCCESS TO THE KING OF PRUSSIA AND HIS FORCES"***
ProvenanceVendor: Tilley & Co., London

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