Name/Title
Puzzle jugEntry/Object ID
VC.59.120Description
Known as a puzzle jug, this drinking vessel offered a convivial form of group entertainment, having been passed about from hand to hand, while each drinker tried to outdo the others in ability to consume the most and spill the least. These were commonly found in taverns during the 18th century, where many gathered to discuss current political events. Made in 1777, this jug might have witnessed tavern patrons debating the Declaration of Independence or saluting the capture of Fort Ticonderoga.
The inscription along the body of the jug reads, "Gentlemen com try your Skill I"ll hold a Wager if you will you dont drink this liquor all unless you spill or let some fall - Georg Batty Nov. 6, 1777"
Puzzle jug: salt-glazed stoneware, with deep chocolate-brown glaze, somewhat irridescent and lustrous ("Nottingham ware"); baluster-shaped, with scalloped rim, neck pierced with circles and compass-flowers, and decorated with sgraffito; about neck, a collar contains three spouts, each of which has, in addition to major opening, a small hole at bottom; collar is hollow tube, connecting with tubular loop-shaped handle, which in turn has opening at its lower end into jug; about body of jug, the following sgraffito script inscription: "Gentlemen com try your Skill I"ll hold a Wager if you will you dont drink this liquor all unless you spill or let some fall."; Georg Batty Nov. 6, 1777: on bottom (unglazed) of puzzle jar, "John Wright maker."Collection
Van Cortlandt Manor Object CollectionMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
John WrightAttribution
MakerDate made
1777Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
InscriptionTranscription
See descriptionDimensions
Dimension Description
OverallHeight
8 inWidth
7-3/4 inDimension Notes
Display Dimensions: 8 x 7 3/4 in. (20.3 x 19.7 cm)Condition
Notes
Remarks: No chips or breaks, glaze in excellent condition.General Notes
Note Type
Curatorial RemarksNote
Miscellaneous: Puzzle jugs offered a convivial form of group entertainment, having been passed about, along with the "fuddling-cup", from hand to hand, while each drinker tried to outdo the others in ability to cover all but the one hole through which he would suck the contents of the jug up via the handle. That this is no simple matter anyone who has attempted to do so can attest. From the seemingly large number of puzzle jugs extant, this must have been a fairly popular pastime, perhaps a party game homologous to darts in contemporary English "pubs." In addition to Nottingham-ware, puzzle jugs were made in a full range of 18th century techniques, including English delftware, blue-decorated Staffordshire salt-glazed sgraffito ware, slip-decorated pottery, etc.Note Type
StorageNoteNote
Home Location: Historic Hudson Valley, Van Cortlandt Complex, Ferry House - Bar
