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This jug was made in Germany and transported to the American colonies through England. The “GR” symbol on the jug represents the King of Great Britain, either George I or George II (his Latin name being Georgius Rex). It does not represent King George III, the king in power during the American Revolution, because the jug is an older artifact in Washington’s life. It was certainly in use during the lifetime of his older half-brother Lawrence Washington. The jugs were used by hired or enslaved servants to serve drinks to the family and guests during meals. By the mid-1700s, the jugs had mostly been replaced by the use of clear glass vessels. However, this jug serves as an important reminder that the Washington family were British subjects for many years, and it was an important part of their lives all the way up to the Revolutionary War.
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