September 28, 2024

The World of Churchill Collectables

By BRIAN KRAPF

Many are familiar with the large wartime water pitcher made by Spode pictured here. It was one of Spode’s most popular items and continues to be admired and enjoyed. Very few examples are known to exist in color. The great majority of these pitchers are found with black and white transfer patterns.

The front transfer features Prime Minister Winston Churchill and quotations from two of his legendary speeches; “Blood, toil, tears and sweat” and “The Few.” The back transfer features Churchill’s “Give us the tools” Lend Lease appeal and President Roosevelt’s response.

The Spode pin dishes also shown here are a recent and much welcomed discovery. They utilize the same transfer designs as seen on the much larger pitcher but are much smaller and in color. They also serve well as display pieces, given their size and the fact that each transfer can readily be seen.

2025 International Churchill Conference

Join us for the 42nd International Churchill Conference. Washington, DC | October 9-11, 2025

2025 International Churchill Conference

While the wartime Spode pitcher is a continual favorite amongst Churchillians, the pin dishes should not be overlooked. If you find them in your travels, make certain to add them to your collections.

Brian Krapf’s book A Churchill Treasury: Sir Winston’s Public Service through Memorabilia has just been published in the UK and the US.