I've been paying a bit more attention of late to antique American stoneware--of course the decorated crocks I find very beautiful are way way beyond my means, but curious pieces like this mug are just my speed! Impressed (type stamped) into the underside is "1st Triennial, June 28, 1905"--but what sort of triennial I have no idea. (A quick search reveals Teddy Roosevelt spoke at Harvard's alumni dinner that evening; perhaps the mug was made for a Harvard grad celebrating 3 years out, who knows?!) I like it for the mystery, and for those perfectly imperfect incised letters, and for its chocolate brown-nenss and fat handle. I also like it as an enduring marker of a specific occasion--long before t-shirts were made to mark every occasion, a handmade mug did the job!
3 13/16" t x 3 1/8" in diameter, 4 3/8" across at handle--larger than a child's mug, but smaller than a stein. Overall good antique condition with some small chips, mostly just to the glaze, around the lip.
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