38. Washington. Portrait. A portrait of Washington printed in black on a white stone-ware pitcher—apparently modern. Crossed flags painted in colors. This pitcher may have been made to use in a hotel or on a steamboat. Washington. Portrait. On “Emblem of America” Pitcher. See No. 98. Washington. Views of Mount Vernon. See No. 195 _et seq._ Washington. Portrait. Erie Canal. See No. 166. Washington. Portrait. Erie Canal. See No. 170. Washington. Inscription. Proscribed Patriots. See No. 86. Washington. Medallion. Staffordshire. See No. 251. XIV. DESIGNS RELATING TO FRANKLIN The great popularity and long residence of Benjamin Franklin abroad would account for the many and varied ceramic relics relating to him that were manufactured in England and France during his lifetime, and that are still in existence, more varied in quality and shape even than those relating to Washington. Nor after his death did the production cease. I will place at the head of the list the most beautiful of them all. 39. Group of Louis XVI. and Benjamin Franklin. Niderviller. [Illustration: Neiderweiler Statuette.] This lovely statuette is of purest white porcelain bisque, and is about twelve inches in height, and ten inches in length. The face of the figure of Franklin is exceedingly fine, and is, in a degree, unlike any other portrait of him that I have seen. It has all the benignancy and sweetness of expression with which we are familiar, and an added nobility and intelligence which is more marked and more impressive than in any other likeness. It is an ideal portrait of Franklin, which must be regarded with pleasure and interest by every historical student. The figure of the King is also extremely fine and imposing. The face is beautiful, the carriage manly, and the half suit of armor, with the long royal cloak of ermine, form an impressive contrast with the simple fur-trimmed garment of Franklin, whose figure is slightly bent, but still impressive. The King holds in his hand a parchment book or scroll bearing on one leaf in golden letters the words, “Indépendance de l’Amérique,” and on another leaf, “Liberté des Mers.” This group was made to commemorate our treaty with France in 1788. It is beautifully modelled and of highest artistic merit, and must take rank as the most important relic of our country that has yet been figulated. It bears the stamp “Niderviller,” and was made at that factory while it was owned by Count Custine. He had fought with Lafayette in the war for American Independence, and doubtless knew Franklin. The statue was evidently modelled from life. Count Custine also gave to Washington the beautiful tea-service described on page 244 _et seq._ Three only of these portrait groups of Franklin and Louis XVI. are known to exist; the only perfect one is owned by William C. Prime, Esq., of New York, and will form part