Exceedingly Rare Stoneware Grave Marker with Elaborate Brushed and Incised Cobalt Decoration, Boldly-Stamped and Incised "A. DILLINER / NO. 118 / SEC. D," New Geneva, PA origin, fourth quarter 19th century, large-sized, skillfully-potted, ovoid grave marker with squared shouldering molding surmounted by a stepped, acorn finial. Front boldly-impressed and incised "A. DILLINER / NO 118 / SEC. D," with heavy cobalt highlights to insctiption. Shoulder and base decorated with incised and cobalt-highlighted drape design. Shoulder with distinctive Western Pennsylvania-style swags in brushed cobalt. Finial decorated with cobalt stripes along with cobalt ring around finial base. This rare survivor is one of a small number of Dilliner family grave markers known, and may have been made for Anna Evans Dilliner, who died in 1896. According to Schaltenbrand's Big Ware Turners, grave markers of the style made for Dilliner family members may have been produced at the shop of C.W. Williams of New Geneva, PA. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, found in Western PA home. Old make-do cement base. Marker is missing a long tubular base section, has tight cracks throughout much of surface, a restored 1 1/2" section to front, an additional restored 7/8" section to front, a 2 1/2" restored crack on reverse, and a minor edge chip. H (including base) 13 3/4".
