Tucker American Gilt-decorated Porcelain Pitcher and an Attributed Tucker Pitcher

Description:

Tucker American Gilt-decorated Porcelain Pitcher and an Attributed Tucker Pitcher, one marked Tucker & Hulme, Philadelphia, 1828, brilliant white baluster-form pitchers with high ear-shaped handles and a ribbed border around base, one ornamented with gilt-outlined molded leaves under the spout and on neck below the top handle attachment, the base inscribed "Tucker & Hulme/China/Manufacturers/Philadelphia/1828"; the other pitcher attributed to Tucker & Hulme, with similar molded leaves, the sides inscribed with the initials "L.R.B." and with the date "1828" under the spout, ht. 9 1/2, 9 1/4 in., respectively.

Provenance: Dated pitcher by family descent; undated pitcher de-accessioned from the Chrysler Museum, purchased at Skinner, March 5, 1993, by the consignor.

Note: The Tucker porcelain manufactories are one of the oldest successful porcelain makers in America, operating from 1826-1838. William E. Tucker opened a porcelain factory in Philadelphia in 1826, hoping to decrease the amount Americans paid for costly foreign imports.

In 1828 Tucker formed a partnership with Thomas Hulme under the name Tucker & Hulme, but Hulme retired from the firm after about one year. Tucker died suddenly in 1832 in his mid-thirties, and the business was carried on by another partner, Joseph Hemphill for several years. In 1837, Thomas Tucker, a brother of the founder, became the sole proprietor until the factory closed in 1838.
Estimate $800-1,200

Both pitchers are in very good condition, no chips, cracks, or repairs, small gilt loss on spout trim of unmarked pitcher.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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