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.
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 anglular 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.