Commissioned for members of Charleston’s Washington Light Infantry
Wedgewood Pottery, Eturia, England for William Ashmead Couretnay
Circa 1891
Commentary: The Washington Light Infantry of Charleston, SC is one of the country’s oldest militia units. It was organized in Charleston in 1807 and participated in every major conflict in which the United States has been involved through World War II. When South Carolina seceded in 1861 the Washington Light Infantry reorganized into three different companies that served in multiple engagements, including those delineated on the pitcher. After the war, surviving members returned to Charleston, helped reopen the Citadel (which members had been instrumental in founding in 1842), and established a charitable association to assist veterans.
William Ashmead Courteney (1831-1908) served in the WLI prior to the war but enlisted in the 8th South Carolina infantry upon the state’s succession. After the war he became a prominent Charleston businessman and served as the city’s mayor from 1879 until 1887. Courtenay played a major role in raising funds to construct the WLI monument in Charleston’s Washington Square and in the production of the commemorative pitcher.
Condition: The pitcher has spider cracks in the bottom that extend into the body and has a repaired spout.
Price: sold
