comprising a pitcher and three mugs, all decorated with comic scenes of the 1812 campaign, titled on base

Similar wares are illustrated in D. Drakard, Printed English Pottery: History and Humour in the reign of George III, 1760-1820, London, 1992, pp. 4-5.

Pitcher: fine craquelure to the glaze as expected with age, and slight rubbing to the decoration, otherwise in very good condition. Large mug: tiny nicks to the rim as expected with age. Medium size mug: slight wear to the painted decoration as expected with age; the gilding along the rim is almost completely rubbed off.. Small mug: rubbing to the gilding along the rim and the handle; tiny chip to the rim as expected with age.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

When the news of Napoleon's defeat in Russia reached England late in 1812, printer Samuel Knight created a pair of prints, marking the rush of celebratory production of prints in London beginning from January 1813.  Two prints, titled A Cosack Mode of Attack and Cossacks Flying to Annoy were used by John Rose of Coalport to decorate&nbs🐽p;pottery.  His versions were print⛦ed in dark brown outline and painted in colours with titles inscribed on the base, such as those presented here.