Description

Also sometimes identified as a baby feeder, this is the primary vessel used to feed patients and home bound invalids during the Civil War period. While the feeders were also used well into later periods, we have limited our inventory to either makers or styles that are consistent with the mid 19th c. period, and when found those, that were of the size and configuration that also suggested adult use. (occasionally a unique or “special” piece was also inventoried) Of course, the Civil War produced record number of such patients for the immediate demand and future years for the product. As a baby feeder they were perpetually also available. Consists of a ceramic vessel similar to a “gravy boat” but with a closed spout so the liquid nourishment could be poured into the mouth in measured without the risk of spillage and at a more measured pace. This particular piece was sold to us by a dealer friend as bearing the Meissen mark and looks like many we have seen being sold as the same. (I am not a pottery collector and can only state what we were told. It has a mark which you can see which is at least similar to mark we have seen identified as Meissen. This is why we inventoried it. Our understanding is also that Meissen has been copied for centuries, so if it is not the real thing it is certainly still period appropriate. It is priced at a non-Meissen value) Made of a thin high grade glazed china quality pottery, with a fine finish and Asian type blue design, very popular during the period. Quality craftsmanship and the elegance of 19th c. craftmanship. A bit smaller than some but still with a good size opening in the spout so equally appropriate for the period infant application, making it good for either display.  A nice piece in excellent condition. (CWPG $55.00+)