Very Rare THOMAS & MENDELL Maysville, KY Stoneware Jug

March 14, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 460

Price Realized: $345.00

($300 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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Very Rare One-Gallon Kentucky Stoneware Jug, Stamped "THOMAS & MENDELL," Maysville, KY origin, circa 1840, ovoid jug with tooled spout and salt-glazed surface, featuring the very rare impressed mark of a partnership between potters, Isaac Thomas and Joseph Claghorn Mendell. Period research indicates this pottery was active circa 1840. Though much is known of Isaac Thomas' work, as many marked examples survive today exist, little is known of his one-time partner, Joseph Claghorn Mendell. Mendell was involved, by marriage, with two potting families, having married Mary Ann Ricketts of the Ricketts family of potters in 1820, and, following her death, marrying Isaac Thomas' daughter, Lydia Thomas, in 1827. He was active in the Maysville potting industry for several decades of the 19th century, although no pieces bearing an individual potter's mark from his shop are known to exist. This jug is the first example bearing the mark of Thomas & Mendell we have seen. Provenance: Recently found in the Northeastern U.S. Missing handle with indentations at each end where someone had started a restoration. Otherwise excellent condition.