Eagle Shield Teapot Appraisal

Historical Flow Blue 'Boston Harbor' Teapot with Eagle Shield

This is a significant piece of historical transferware, specifically a teapot featuring the 'Boston Harbor' pattern, often associated with the 'Eagle Shield' series. The teapot showcases a deep, saturated Flow Blue glaze characteristic of 19th-century Staffordshire pottery. Measuring approximately 7 to 9 inches in height (compared to the adjacent water bottle), it is constructed of ironstone or earthenware. The form includes an ornate, C-curved handle with thumb rest, a gadrooned or lobed body, and a matching domed lid with a decorative finial. The central transfer-printed motif depicts a maritime scene of Boston Harbor, surrounded by floral borders and American eagle emblems within shields, signaling its production for the American market during the mid-1800s. The glaze flow is pronounced, creating a blurred, atmospheric aesthetic. Condition-wise, the image reveals significant visible damage: substantial glaze loss and chipping are evident on the lower pedestal base and along the body's lower portion, exposing the white clay body beneath. A possible repair or crack may be present near the spout's junction to the body. Despite the wear, the craftsmanship is high, reflecting the industrial artistry of the Victorian era.