the mark of the maker, giving his name, the Virginia town where he
worked, and the year he started business. This is the sole surviving
"touch" or mark of an American pewterer of the 17th century. The
complete legend, encircling a heart, reads: "IOSEPH
COPELAND/1675/CHUCKATUCK." (Chuckatuck is a small Virginia village in
Nansemond County, about 30 miles southeast of Jamestown.) Joseph
Copeland later moved to Jamestown where he was caretaker of the
statehouse from 1688-91. He may have made pewter in Virginia's first
capital. His matchless spoon found in the old Jamestown soil is the
oldest dated piece of American-made pewter in existence.


POTTERY AND PORCELAIN

The largest and most representative collection of 17th-century European
and early American pottery which has been excavated in America is on
exhibition at Jamestown. Thousands of fragments of colorful types have
been found, and by the exercise of extreme care and patience, museum
technicians have pieced together many early specimens. These examples
reveal the kinds of pottery used in the wilderness settlement over three
centuries ago. Included in this ceramic collection are pitchers, bowls,
jugs, cups, mugs, porringers, milk pans, jars, plates and dishes, pots,
and platters. These were used at the table, as well as for the storage
of foods, and for other purposes.

While some of the utilitarian earthenware was made at Jamestown, most of
the pottery that has been found was imported from England. Many types
also came from other European countries, including Germany, Holland,
Italy, Spain, and Portugal. One kind of maiolica may have been made in
Mexico, while the few fragments of porcelain recovered were made in