Extremely Rare Wedgwood Creamware Armorial Cup & Saucer – Trafalgar Provenance
Gilt Feather & Blue Reeded Border – Circa Early 1800s – Museum Quality
A historically significant and exceptionally rare Wedgwood creamware cup and saucer, dating from the early 19th century. This piece features a finely painted armorial crest with the Latin motto Esse Quam Videri, framed by a navy-blue reeded border and delicate gilt featherwork.
Closely tied to Rear Admiral Sir Edward Berry, this set holds deep historical importance. Berry, a celebrated naval officer, served under Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battles of Cape St. Vincent, the Nile, and Trafalgar—where he famously caught Nelson as he fell wounded. The coat of arms reflects the lineage of Rev. Thomas Forster, Berry’s grandfather-in-law, and suggests this cup and saucer were part of a private service inherited through the Forster family.
Details:
Material: Glazed creamware with gilt and cobalt blue decoration
Cup Dimensions: Approx. 2¼ inches (5.7 cm) high × 4 inches (10.2 cm) wide including handle
Saucer Dimensions: Approx. 5½ inches (14 cm) diameter × 1 inch (2.5 cm) high
Design: Armorial crest and motto Esse Quam Videri; gilt feather motif and blue reeded rim
Markings: Impressed WEDGWOOD with potter’s marks
Date: Circa early 1800s
Condition:
Overall good condition for its age
Minor rim chips on the cup, partially and professionally repaired
No lid present (possibly originally part of a larger service)
Decoration remains vibrant and crisp
Rarity & Notes:
This armorial set is exceedingly rare, combining Wedgwood’s finest creamware craftsmanship with a documented connection to a key figure of British naval history. Its provenance through the Forster and Berry families, and association with HMS Agamemnon at Trafalgar, places this piece firmly in the realm of museum-quality collectibles.
Ideal for serious collectors of Wedgwood, armorial porcelain, or Napoleonic-era naval artifacts. A remarkable blend of artistry and historical significance.
