Sunderland Creamer Pitcher

In the 1800’s Gray’s Pottery in Stoke-on-Trent, England was producing Sunderland Lustre Ware, well known for the pink and gold fisheye glaze.

Several pitcher designs were produced for the Masonic Fraternity with the addition of black transfers on each side depicting well-known Masonic symbols and writings.

 The front of the pitcher has the “All Seeing Eye” located

above the letter “G” with an old Masonic poem:

“Hail MASONRY Divine, 

Glory of Ages shine,

Long May’st thou Reign!

Where’er thy LODGES stand,

May they have great command,

and always grace the land,

Thou ART divine!” 

Around the poem are numerous Masonic symbols surrounded by flowers.

The reverse side has the frequently used Latin motto:

“SIT LUX ET LUX FUIT”,

Signifying Let there be light, and there was light (Genesis 1:3)

 Above the motto, and between two brazen pillars is seated the Master of the Lodge, holding the Royal heraldic shield, along with many Masonic symbols, each with a lesson for Masons.

(Sun, Moon, Beehive, Trowel, Setting Maul, Holy Bible, Trestleboard, etc.)

This particular pitcher design is 5-1/4” high and 5” diameter and has become highly collectible, and is valued between $750 and $1,000.

A recent response to an enquiry stated:

“Take good care of that pitcher as they are as rare as hen’s teeth”.

Brother Ralph E. Loeffler of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin presented this unique pitcher to the N.E.W. Masonic Library and Museum in 1984.