This transferware commemorates the naval battle of Lake Champlain in the War of 1812. Commodore Thomas MacDonough, a Delaware native, led the United States Navy to victory over the British in that decisive battle.

Transferware, popular in the mid 19th century, is made by placing a thin piece of paper that has been inked by a metal template onto a piece of china, then firing the china in a kiln, so the paper adheres to it.