"Join or Die" Tavern Mug — Traditional redware made by hand in America

Updated at 11:30 pm Eastern on October 18: We have sold all of the black mugs and all of the yellow mugs that were being made for us. Thanks to all who placed orders.  I talked to the potters earlier today and was able to get a commitment of more yellow mugs, which we have just added to the inventory. This means that we now have all of their capacity. I doubt that we'll be able to get any more "Join or Die" mugs before Christmas. —  Lee Wright | Founder

Made by hand in New England using traditional methods and materials.

Redware was the most commonly used pottery prior to the 19th century. The name comes from its high iron content and coloration.

The mugs are lead free and food-safe and can be put in the microwave.

The text and image on these was taken from an illustration in Franklin’s The Pennsylvania Gazette, May 9, 1754. It was originally a warning to the colonies, urging them to unite in defense against the French and their Native allies, and was later used as an appeal to the states during the Revolutionary War. The rattlesnake segments are labeled, S.C., N.C., V., M., P., N.J., N.Y., and N.E.

Because each is handmade, there will be slight differences and imperfections, as you can see in the photos. These should be expected. 

Note that the bottom is not glazed, so it may be a little rough and you'll want to be careful setting it down on any nicely finished surface because it might scratch the surface. You can smooth the bottom with fine grit sandpaper or an emery board with a fine grain, or attach a small piece of felt, get one of our new coasters, or simply be careful not to slide it across a finished surface.

Size: 5.5" high x 3.75" diameter.  When filled to about 1/2" below the rim, it holds about 2.5 cups.

Care: Handwashing recommended.

Historical background of the image

This political cartoon (attributed to James Turner (silversmith) for Benjamin Franklin) originally appeared during the French and Indian War, but was recycled to encourage the American colonies to join the Albany Plan for Union. From The Pennsylvania gazette, May 9, 1754. Abbreviations used: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and New England.

The practice of grouping the colonies east of New York (New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut) together as "New England" has a history that goes back to the Dominion of New England, established in 1686 . . . Delaware was not listed separately because it was comprised of three counties that were part of Pennsylvania, and did not gain independence from Philadelphia until after the Declaration of Independence was asserted. Prior to formal separation from Pennsylvania, Delaware was properly referred to as the "Lower Counties on Delaware".

The Province of Georgia was not originally included by Franklin (let alone other British colonies in North America) but was later added and can be see at the tip of the tail. Georgia, the youngest of what would come to be referred to as the "Thirteen Original Colonies", had only been chartered in 1732 as a haven for those incarcerated in England's debtors prisons, and its population was sparse.

Source: Wikipedia