A Steamboat Pilot's Porcelain Occupational Shaving Mug
Late 19th Century
bearing the name in J.G. Woods gilt lettering, depicting a gentleman steering a boat wheel reading American Brotherhood Steam Boat Pilots Harbor N.Y.
inscribed Faith is a Living Power below painted decoration.
underside marked T&V Limoges France.
Height 3 5/8 inches.
The American Brotherhood of Steamboat Pilots, Harbor No. 1 was incorporated in New York on October 23, 1888, to promote welfare among pilots and establish higher standards of qualifications for licensure and proficiency among members. Dissatisfaction with preexisting steamboat inspection laws culminated in 1880 when a passenger steamer caught fire at a New York Harbor pier as a result of neglect of duty by the vessel's captain and engineer. The name of the organization was formally changed in 1900 to the American Association of Masters, Mates, and Pilots, to include all officers aboard.