The 1995-1998 excavations at Castle Hill State Historic Park are now
officially concluded. Once the capital of the Russian American Company's
fur trading venture from 1805-1867, the site was an internationally
flavored port in the North Pacific during the Nineteenth Century.
Of the estimated 50-100k ceramic sherds in our collection, one backmark
has stymied attempts to identify.
Found on dozens of vessels, the blue, U.G.,T.P. mark spells' "STONE
CHINA" within a double-lined elongated octagon. A more complete
description is found at <alaska.net/~oha/share/index.htm>
Also see the attachment, another view of the mark.
So far the best guess of manufacturer is the English firm, 'Hicks and
Meigh', but supposition it still remains. This American marketed ware,
in dark blue, is integral to the ongoing site ceramic analysis. Any
ideas, suggestions or recollections are welcomed. Sincerely,
Daniel Thompson
Research Assistant
Alaska Office of History and Archaeology
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