Please take a moment to read the description, condition and browse the photos. This is one of several antique 18-19thC. Pieces I just acquired from an early Charlestown, Rhode Island estate. This is a dated “Molly Pitcher 1778″ relief carved polychrome painted plaque depicting Molly’s role in the Revolutionary War. The painted plaque is either 18th century or early 19th C. And is an amazing piece of history. You can see that it is like a bas relief, as the figures stand out above the background. It is all hand carved and painted and has the perfect Americana look with thirteen star flag waving in the background. I was told by the family that this painting was on display in a museum, (you can see the accession numbers on thew side of frame), but they did not know what museum as they were only children at the time. This is an awesome piece of Americana and it displays beautifully. According to legend, at the Battle of Monmouth (June 28, 1778), Mary Hays, wife of artilleryman William Hays, carried water to cool both the cannon and the soldiers in her husband’s battery-hence the nickname Molly Pitcher. Legend also asserts that when William Hays collapsed or was wounded, she took her husband’s place in the gun crew for the rest of the battle. Molly Pitcher: grave Molly Pitcher: graveGrave of Mary Hays-who, according to legend, was Molly Pitcher-in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Patriotic prints and literature depicting the alleged event initially referred to Captain Molly. ” The less martial and more nurturing “Molly Pitcher did not appear as a cognomen until the mid-19th century. Neither image was identified with a specific person until 1876, when the citizens of Carlisle claimed a woman buried there was the literal heroine of Monmouth. Military records indicate that a William Hays did enlist in the artillery in 1776 and died about 1789. His wife Mary remarried and eventually applied for a pension as a soldier’s widow. The services were unspecified, though the wording of the pension bill suggests that she may have played some kind of direct role in the Revolution. Whether she was this particular woman or not, monuments near the Monmouth battle site and at Mary Hays’s grave recognize Molly Pitcher’s contribution to American independence. Framed 14 1/2″ x 25″. Some old worming here and there, great old original untouched patina. Please view all photographs as they are part of the condition report. Be sure to check out my weekly auctions for other unusual and interesting estate finds and collectibles. Please take a minute to read below. We are here to rectify any issues that may arise for all of our customers!! My name is Kevin Bruneau and I have been in the fine arts and collectibles business for over 30 years. Most items are sourced from local house-calls, auctions, and estate tag and yard sales. My interests are broad so you will never know what I will list next. It could be an old master paintings or a baseball card collection. Powered by SixBit’s eCommerce Solution.