Aynsley WW1 Peace Mug 1919 Commemorative Great War Victory Flag Antique Ceramic
£35.00
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Aynsley WW1 Peace Mug 1919 Commemorative Great War Victory Flag Antique Ceramic
£35.00
Item Overview
- Type: Antique World War One Victory Commemorative Mug / Peace Celebration Beaker
- Brand: Aynsley China
- Manufacturer: John Aynsley & Sons (Portland Works, Longton, Staffordshire)
- MPN: Does Not Apply
- Place of Origin: England, United Kingdom
- Style: Antique British Commemorative Ceramic / Military Social History
- Colour: Off-White Cream Porcelain, Polished Gold Rim, Multi-Colour Allied Victory Flags
- Design Era: Late Great War / Treaty of Versailles Commemorative Period (c. 1919)
- Material: Fine English Bone China / Earthenware
- Set Includes: One (1) Single Historic Commemorative Mug
- Features: Transfer-Printed Allied Victory Flags, Detailed Dove of Peace Central Graphic, Dual-Sided Narrative Script ("From War" / "To Peace"), Hand-Gilded Gold Rim Accent, Crowned Aynsley Base Mark
- Condition: Good Antique Condition (Beautiful display item with honest age character including localized hairline stabilization and expected base rim grazing, entirely free from modern restoration)
- Size and Capacity: Standard antique tea/coffee mug scale; measures approximately 8.0 cm to 8.5 cm in height and diameter.
Dating & Historical Context
- Dating: This rare piece of social history dates to 1919. The production signatures—including the specific layout of the crowned green Aynsley England backstamp, the hand-painted gold rim work, and the celebration of the Peace of 1919 (following the signing of the Treaty of Versailles)—are diagnostic indicators confirming its origin as an immediate post-WW1 victory piece.
- Historical Note: While the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, the official conclusion of the Great War occurred with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in June 1919. Towns and villages across Great Britain hosted extensive "Peace Tea" celebrations for returning soldiers and local children during the summer of 1919, where commemorative mugs were presented as treasured keepsakes. This premium version by Aynsley is highly unusual because it illustrates the shifting narrative of the era across its body. One flank features a grim battle scene labeled "From War", while the opposing flank shows a pastoral, plowed British landscape labeled "To Peace". The front display showcases the Dove of Peace nestled within a laurel wreath, flanked by the vibrant flags of the key Allied nations: the British Union Jack, the United States Stars and Stripes, the French Tricolour, the Italian Tricolore, and the rising sun flag of the Empire of Japan.
Description
An evocative and highly graphic addition for collectors of military memorabilia, social history curators, or period prop designers, this antique 1919 Great War peace mug by Aynsley is full of patriotic character. Rather than the simple monochrome layouts found on basic utility wares of the period, this fine Staffordshire piece boasts a rich multi-colour transfer print that remains incredibly crisp. The design beautifully frames the global alliance that brought about the armistice, balanced by narrative panels illustrating the profound transition from wartime devastation to peaceful agricultural revival.
Expert Identification & Design Features:
- Aynsley Porcelain Pedigree: The base houses the authentic stamped emblem of John Aynsley & Sons, documenting its high-tier Staffordshire origin.
- Allied Victory Iconography: Features an intricate assembly of five international flags draped beautifully behind a central dove medallion, celebrating global unity.
- Narrative Social Commentary: The dual vignettes of "From War" and "To Peace" serve as a striking historical record of the relief felt across the British Empire at the war's end.
- Traditional Loop Handle: Fitted with a robust D-shaped loop handle typical of late Edwardian pottery design, ensuring a comfortable and classic profile.
Condition Report
This 107-year-old commemorative piece is in good antique condition, presenting beautifully for a cabinet or mantel display. The transfer print is exceptionally vibrant and retains strong colour contrast across all national flags. In keeping with its authentic age and domestic utility history, the piece displays honest character wear: there is a clean, stable hairline variance visible on the upper rim section near the handle and light surface crazing/browning to the glaze on the interior base and underside rim, all of which confirm its status as an untouched historical survivor. The hand-gilded top rim showcases light handling rubbing that adds a wonderful historic softness to the piece. (Please study the detailed macro gallery photographs to verify the structural lines and surface finish).
Shipping & Logistics
- Domestic Shipping: FREE UK TRACKED DELIVERY.
- Packaging: This delicate antique ceramic will be double-boxed, enveloped in high-density bubble cushioning, and packed with internal void-fill to guarantee absolute protection against transit vibration and shock.
- Dispatch: Order before 12.00pm and we ship same day.
Returns & Payment Policies
We want you to be delighted with your heritage find.
- Not as Described: In the unlikely event of an error in our listing, we will provide a full refund and cover the return postage costs.
- Change of Mind: We accept returns within 30 days; however, in these instances, the buyer is responsible for the return shipping costs.