Outstanding Seven-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Incised "F / may 2 1851" and "Lm", attributed to Dave, Lewis Miles' Stoney Bluff Manufactory, Edgefield, SC, 1851, large-sized, highly-ovoid jar with applied tab handles, flared collar, and semi-rounded rim, the surface covered in a beautiful rust-and-olive-colored alkaline glaze and featuring incised inscriptions on the shoulder of the front and reverse. Front includes an incised cursive "F" followed by the date "may 2 1857"; the reverse is incised with the initials "Lm" for Dave's owner, Lewis Miles, flanked by seven punctuates (representing seven gallons) and two slashes, a distinctive marking found on many of Dave's pieces. The mysterious, cursive capital "F" on the jar's front, which can be matched with the "F" on Dave pieces bearing a February date, is unusual. It may have signified another potter involved with the jar's manufacture. In addition, the inscribing of a date on one side of the jar and the initials "Lm" on the opposite side is unusual. Most pieces by Dave include both of these inscriptions on the same side of the vessel. An outstanding, well-inscribed example of Dave's work, featuring a striking glaze and classic, robust form characteristic of this iconic enslaved potter's work. Three large rim chips. A tight, approximately 7" crack from rim on front. Two short hairlines in collar on reverse. Two typical, minor base chips. H 17".
