Early Victorian Prattware ceramic pot lid, transfer-printed and hand-colored, titled A Letter from the Diggings. Signed “Austin Sc.” (engraver John Austin) in the print, depicting a domestic scene of a family reading a letter from a miner in the goldfields. These sentimental images were popular in England and the colonies during the mid-19th century and were used on lidded pots for products such as ointments or toothpaste. This example has been later mounted in a circular black-painted surround with hanging wire for display. Dimensions: Ceramic lid approx. 3 3/4 in. diameter; mount approx. 5 in. overall. Provenance: Estate of Ron Lerch. Pickup & Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via FedEx/USPS for $30 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Ceramic with bright color and clear detail; minor expected surface wear from age; no visible cracks or chips. Black painted surround with scattered edge wear and small paint losses.