Porcelain mug to commemorate peace at the end of World War One
A porcelain mug with fluted rim and gold trim.
Many commemorative pieces were made to mark the Armistice on November 11th 1918, ending the First World War. They were often referred to as ‘Peace Ware’ or ‘Victory Souvenirs’ and acted as patriotic souvenirs, given out by local councils and schools as ways of remembering those who died. Images included flags and doves with phrases such as “PEACE,” and “Victory with Honour”.
Although the war on the Western Front ended with the Armistice in 1918, fighting with Germany continued until the Treaty of Versailles was signed in June 1919, which led to many more pieces of commemorative ware being made and distributed.
The motif on this mug shows the flags of the ‘Big Four’ allied nations – Great Britain, France, USA and Italy. It also shows the word ‘PEACE’ and the image of the dove, above the world, symbolising the end of World War One.
Although there is no maker’s mark on the bottom of this mug, other items with identical motifs are attributed to E Huges & Co. Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent (company name Paladin China).