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Item Specifics:
- Type: Commemorative Teacup / Mug
- President: George Washington
- Theme: Political, Presidential & Expositions
- Event: 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition
- Manufacturer: W.T. Copeland & Sons (Stoke, England)
- Sole Retailer: J.M. Shaw & Co. (New York, USA)
- Material: Fine Porcelain / Soft-Paste China
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
📌 Description Body
## Antique 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exhibition George Washington Commemorative Cup Manufactured by W.T. Copeland & Sons (Stoke, England) |
Retailed Exclusively by J.M. Shaw & Co. (New York)
An exceptional piece of 19th-century political Americana and World’s Fair history.
This authentic soft-paste porcelain commemorative cup was produced explicitly for the 1876 Centennial International Exhibition in Philadelphia, celebrating the 100th anniversary of American Independence.
### Key Visual & Historical Attributes: * *
*Front Imagery:**
Features a highly detailed, crisp black-and-white transfer portrait of General George Washington enclosed in a laurel wreath.
The portrait is flanked by two vibrant, hand-painted American flags and surmounted by a soaring bald eagle with outstretched wings.
* **Front Text:**
"GEORGE WASHINGTON 1776" * **
Reverse Text:**
Boldly inscribed in stylized typography: "A Memorial of The Centennial 1876" *
**Bottom Maker Marks:**
Fully stamped with the green underglaze W.T. Copeland & Sons crest, along with the crisp outer text:
"MANUFACTURED BY W.T. COPELAND & SONS / SOLELY FOR J.M. SHAW & CO. NEW YORK / TRADE MARK REGISTERED 1876".
Condition Report: * *
*Graphics:** The central transfer portrait, flags, eagle, and text on both sides remain remarkably sharp, bright, and deeply pigmented. *
**Structure:**
Sound structural integrity. No cracks, deep hairlines, fleabites, or structural repairs. The porcelain body retains a beautiful, smooth glaze.
* **Gilt/Gold Trim:**
Shows moderate, honest wear/loss to the gold gilt detailing along the top rim and outer edge of the handle due to its age and handling over the last 150 years (please review close-up photos for exact placement).
Dimensions: * **Height:** Approx. 3.1 inches * **Rim Diameter:** Approx. 3.75 inches
A stellar, investment-grade addition to any collection specializing in early presidential artifacts, Washingtonia, exhibition souvenirs, or fine 19th-century English pottery.
