It was made at the pottery of Adam Keister circa 1835-70, probably closer to the year 1835. Pottery signed A. Keister is very rare, and is some of the earliest produced in Strasburg, contemporary with Samuel Bell and John and James Miller. This example was skillfully potted, with decorative touches characteristic of early stoneware--incised lines running above the capacity mark, a ribbed, wide-mouthed collar, and an extruded handle done in the fashion of the Bells. Signed Virginia jugs of this size and age do not come on the market often.