Water Pitcher Set, 1880-1885

Summary

It may look unwieldy, but this water pitcher was a welcome sight to houseguests and residents during the summer months in Victorian America. Before the days of electric refrigeration and air conditioning, porcelain-lined pitchers mounted on tilting stands helped keep drinking water cold. Sold through mail-order catalogues and retail outlets, these innovative devices provided cooling relief to middle-class Americans.

It may look unwieldy, but this water pitcher was a welcome sight to houseguests and residents during the summer months in Victorian America. Before the days of electric refrigeration and air conditioning, porcelain-lined pitchers mounted on tilting stands helped keep drinking water cold. Sold through mail-order catalogues and retail outlets, these innovative devices provided cooling relief to middle-class Americans.

Artifact

Pitcher (Vessel)

Date Made

1880-1885

Place of Creation

United States 

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

80.90.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mrs. Frederick B. Sturm.

Material

Silver (Metal)
Metal

Technique

Electroplating

Inscriptions

engraved on front of pitcher and cup: P & M Hoban / May 24, 1881 scratched on bottom of all three pieces: D08168 stamped on bottom of cup: 28

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