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What Is It? GR Stoneware Jug Medallion

Archaeology, Collections

GR Stoneware for Web

One of the most beloved artifacts in the Drayton Hall Archaeological Collection is this “GR” medallion from a stoneware jug. Most likely made in Westerwald, Germany, these jugs enjoyed great popularity during the reigns of King George I (1714-1727) and King George II (1727-1760) as George Rex (GR) is Latin for King George. This artifact was found during the 1980 archaeological excavations of a well just south of the South Flanker building. It is salt-glazed stoneware with an elaborately incised medallion and cobalt blue decoration. It’s an enticing artifact from the past that makes us wonder, when did the object cease to be used and why was it tossed aside?