This very large, 1 gallon canning jar is stamped below the collar
1
JOHN BELL
WAYNESBORO'
It was made at the John Bell pottery of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, circa 1850 to 1880.
This example is much larger than any John Bell canning jar we have seen. Furthermore,
glazed vessels of this type were usually not stamped with Bell's capacity marks. This
example is stamped with the same 1 gallon mark one would find a piece of his salt-glazed
stoneware. Because of its large, tall size, this jar has a very stately appearance about it.
As with most Bell canning jars, the rim is fitted with an inner flange, designed to fit a tin
canning lid. The entire jar is glazed with lead, creating a creamy, light greenish color that
is very attractive. The glaze is streaked in different concentrations around the vessel's
exterior, creating some interesting color variations. In some places, the glaze has a
yellowish or bluish overcast. Overall, a high quality example of a John Bell
canning jar, in a rare size and colorful celadon glaze.
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