Scarce Anna Pottery Stoneware "Black Hills" Pig Flask

March 14, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 344

Price Realized: $2,875.00

($2,500 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 9 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

March 14, 2015 Auction Catalog

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Scarce Anna Pottery Stoneware "Black Hills" Pig Flask, Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1880-1885, molded flask in the form of a reclining pig with hole at rear, incised hooves and facial features, and anatomically-correct underside. Surface covered in an Albany slip glaze and incised in fine penmanship with the inscription, ""Quickest Cheapest and Only Safe and Reliable Route to California and The Black Hills/ by Anna Pottery". Remainder of pig incised with a railroad map extending from St. Louis to the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming, including the following landmarks: St. Louis Kansas City and Northern Railway, St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, Cheyenne, and Black Hills. The city name "Julesburg", with an obvious pun on the first syllable of the word, extends from the end of the pig's genitals. This unusual pig flask features excellent penmanship and finely-painted, black-and-white eyes. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, which descended in the family of the consignor. Long J-shaped hairline extending from neck across area above the words "Black Hills" on pig's side, towards rear, then curving onto belly on opposite side of pig. A minor, in-the-making surface line to one haunch. A chip to same haunch, possibly in-the-firing. L 7 1/4".