1930s Universal Potteries "Circus" Water Jug Start Price USD 11.99 Current Price USD 11.99 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, December 01, 2008 End Time Monday, December 08, 2008 Location Flagstaff, AZ See more about '1930s Universal Potteries "Circus" Water Jug' Description 1930's wonderful Universal Potteries "Circus" Water Jug.  This is a great piece that certainly represents Americana.  It carries the National Brotherhood Operative Potteries logo backstamp combined with the Universal Potteries Incorporated backstamp.  The union label was used in the 1930's signifying that the pottery company employed a union work force.  This particular piece was probably manufactured in 1937.  Universal Potteries started manufacturing in 1934 (although some sources say 1932) in Cambridge, Ohio and went out of business in March 1976. Circus is part of the Ivory grouping, which was one of the earliest shapes produced by Universal.  It is distinguished by the rings or circles around individual pieces.  This water jug has the rings around the base in the blue color, which is known as Eleanor blue.  The line was designed by Walter Karl Titze.  Circus almost always is combined with the Eleanor blue.  The decals on the sides and lid are in very good condition.  They are bright, crisp and clear.  The cork on the lid is in very good condition.  There are no cracks, although if you look very carefully, there is some crazing.  The underside of the spout has a small rectangular chip approximately 1/4' wide by 1/4' deep.  There is a small rough spot in the glaze on the left hand side of the handle, which is not visible to the eye, but one can feel it.  The base has a similar area, which because of the color is visible.  I believe that both of these are manufacturing glazing flaws.  Additionally, you can see two marks in the glaze on the base that probably occurred as part of the firing process.  Measuring approximately 8 3/4" tall, it is approximately 7 1/2" end of spout to end of handle.  It is about 4 3/4" wide.  Overall, I feel that this is in very good condition for its age. If you are into Retro, this is a great find.  The colors are vibrant and happy.  If you like American history, this piece represents the time of great American pottery companies and the pottery union. I have attempted to be accurate and complete in my description and pictures,  should you have any question, please email me.  Thanks for looking! Because I am downsizing, I am looking for homes for some of my treasures.  Most of my finds have come from estate sales and auctions that I ahve attended over the years. Your happy Circus water jug will be carefully packed and shipped from a smoke free home.  If you choose USPS as your shipping carrier, I do require that you insure your purchase to protect your investment and mine.  If you choose UPS as your shipping carrier, your purchase is automatically insured up to $100 at no extra cost.  Additionally, I do charge a nominal fee to cover my costs of packaging and handling.   Place a Bid!