Description:

Creamware mug printed in black, made by John Warburton at Carr's Hill Pottery, Gateshead,and probably printed at the factory since 'J Warburton N C Tyne' is the printed, and only, mark. NC stands for Newcastle. Gateshead is on the south bank of the River Tyne, but John Warburton also had a shop on the Quayside from at least 1770. Newcastle, on the north bank of the river, was the principal settlement, and therefore its name was better known to foreigners. The mark ensured that anyone sailing into the river Tyne would find Warburton's shop.

When the mug is full and the right way up, the happy faces represent Courtship. "When two fond fools together meet/ Each look gives joy each kiss so sweet/ But wed how cold and cross they'll be/ Turn upside down and then you'll see."