Doulton Lambeth Arthur Barlow FA Cup Pitcher

Description

For sale is a very early Doulton Lambeth pitcher by Arthur Barlow with a unique story. This pitcher belonged to one of the players responsible for the very first inaugural FA Cup win in 1872. William Crake (aka William Parry), playing for Wanderers FC in 1872, claimed a 1-0 victory at Kennington Oval over a tough game with the Royal Engineers. Months later, on 11 February 1873, William turned 21 and his then love interest, Emily Noble Chase, gave him this wonderful pitcher as a gift. William Crake was born in Madras, India and then moved to England to be educated at Harrow School. It was there that his talent for football shone and he then was able to join Wanderers FC.

FA Cup 1872

Wanderers FC Team

Royal Engineers

Towards the end of the 1870s, William Crake returned to India where he was a merchant. In 1881 he married Emily Noble Chase, so this piece ultimately was given to him by his wife! After he retired in 1892, he returned to England and lived in Hyde Park until his death on 1 December 1921.

The pitcher itself is a highly desirable piece in the typical early style and colours of Doulton and Barlow. With the main body decorated with bold blue scrolling florals, there are miniature scrolling floral borders above and below. Further tactile angular pattern borders sit below the lid, between the scroll work and to the base. The handle is decorated with a simple leaf venation pattern. The top is adorned with the original solid silver rim and lid. To top centre is the Crake family crest, and inside the lid is a lovely crisp inscription “To William Parry Crake from E.N.C. February 11th 1873.” with decorative embellishment.

This early piece is in very good condition. Professional stabilising of the handle is evident, and there are a few minor nibbles to the base commensurate with age. Otherwise, the lid is all original and there is no evidence of any other chips or cracks. The base is stamped with the early oval Doulton Lambeth mark and Arthur Barlow’s “ABB” signature is present and correct.

For any collector of Doulton, Arts & Crafts and is interested in football history, this surely must be a wonderful piece for the collection. It has a story, it no doubt has lived a life in the UK in India and back again. A true delight.