18th century Revolutionary War era Desk Stand

This is another rare piece being offered, it is an early faience desk stand, circa 1735 – 1785.  It features an open ink well, four holes for quills to be stored, and a rare pounce pot (sand mixture to dry ink), all decorated in a purple tin glaze. It is the typical 18^th century Chinese motifs with flowers and foliage, hand painted on the sides, top and front. The Desk Set measures 6" long by 4 1/2" wide and stands 2" high without the covers. This style is usually associated with being made in St. Omer, France.

The invention of a white pottery glaze suitable for painted decoration, by the addition of an oxide of tin to the slip of a lead glaze, was a major advance in the history of pottery. The invention seems to have been made in Iran or the Middle East before the ninth century. A kiln capable of producing temperatures exceeding 1,830 °F was required to achieve this result, the outcome of millennia of refined pottery-making traditions. The term is now used for a wide variety of pottery from several parts of the world, including many types of European painted wares.

This is truly a beautiful piece, and overall very nice condition, only a couple of very small chips. In the 18^th century these sets would be considered a luxury item. However, with the enormous amount of written correspondence by Revolutionary War officers, (American, British and French),  sets such as this would be used. There is a painting of British officers using similar examples (see pictures). This would be a great addition to any collection.

Throughout history, war has been a constant presence, shaping civilizations and societies. From the earliest days of humanity, conflict has persisted in various forms, and based on historical patterns, it is likely to continue in some manner. This ongoing reality has given rise to a deep fascination among historians and collectors who seek to understand the past through the tangible remnants left behind, i.e. uniforms, guns, swords, artillery.

While significant attention is given to weapons and military gear, the everyday items used by soldiers frequently go unnoticed. Simple objects like forks, spoons, cups, dishes, pots, and knives played an essential role in a soldier’s daily life. These items were as precious to the individual as their weapon, serving practical needs and providing comfort amidst the hardships of war. I myself have always appreciated their importance in showing a complete representation in a collection.   Bob