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Rare HUGH SMITH & CO. 3 Gallon Jar, 1825-31 |
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Back to Virginia Stoneware |
Item #ALSJ01 |
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| Description: |
Very rare, profusely decorated, 3 gallon ovoid stoneware storage jar, signed "HUGH SMITH & CO." According to The Alexandria Archaeological Research Center, this mark was used by the Alexandria, Virginia merchant Hugh Smith from 1825 to 1831. Hugh Smith is the father of Hugh Charles Smith, who used the mark, "H.C. Smith / Alexa. / DC" to advertise his business from 1831 to 1846. The "Hugh Smith & Co." mark in a cartouche (as this mark appears) is exceedingly rare and early. Pieces marked with this signature hardly ever come on the market at any price. The decoration on this jar is exceptional, covering over ½ of the front. The 3 gallon size is very desirable. Having said all of this, there is another important characteristic of this piece that puts it into the important category. This jar is incised on the bottom with what appears to be the letter "D" in script. If "D" is the letter (as it appears), it undoubtedly is the inscription of David Jarbour, a slave employed by Hugh Smith from 1826-33, according to Alexandria Personal Property Tax Records. There is only one piece in existence signed by Jarbour. It is a very large crock in the possession of the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts with the following incised on the bottom: "1830/ Alexa/ Maid by / D. Jarbour." That piece resembles this "Hugh Smith & Co." jar in both shape and decoration. Based on the rarity, decoration, size, age, potter's mark and incised letter on the bottom, this jar is a very significant piece of Alexandria, Virginia stoneware. |
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Size: |
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14 ½" tall. |
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Condition: |
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About ¼ of one of the handles is broken off in the back and there is considerable chipping on the other ear. Also, there are a few very thing & very tight age lines, which are very normal for a piece of this age. It rings perfectly when struck with the knuckles. There is a slight sag in the body below the name which occured in the kiln. |
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Price: |
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S O L D |