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October 31, 2009 Auction Catalog
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Extremely Rare Solomon Bell, Strasburg, VA Redware Mold w/ Two Different Marks
October 31, 2009 Stoneware Auction
Lot #: 254Price Realized: $5,175.00 (Price includes 15% buyer's premium).
Extremely Rare Shenandoah Valley Redware Cake Mold, Stamped with Two Different Marks, "SOLOMON BELL / Strasburg, Va." and "SOLOMON BELL / STRASBURG / Va.," circa 1860, large-sized cake mold with embossed swirled design to body and scalloped molding around rim, decorated with a vibrant streaky yellow slip over an orange ground. A large daub of manganese is applied to the opening on the underside. Surface covered in a clear lead glaze. This important mold is stamped with two different Solomon Bell maker's marks. It is likely a transition piece between one of Bell's earlier Strasburg maker's marks, which reads "SOLOMON BELL / Strasburg, Va.," and his later three-line maker's mark, which reads "SOLOMON BELL / STRASBURG / Va." The earlier stamp is impressed diagonally along the raised swirl design and the later mark is impressed below the rim. This mold is the only example of Solomon Bell pottery we have seen impressed with two different marks. In exceptional color and condition, this example is possibly the finest cake mold by this potter known. Excellent condition. Two scratched areas to surface, wear to central tube, and two minor rim nicks. H 4 1/8" ' Diameter 10 1/2".
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