Very Rare M. & T. MILLER / NEWPORT, PA Stoneware Crock with Man's Bust Decoration

October 17, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 431

Price Realized: $575.00

($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.

October 17, 2015 Auction Catalog

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Very Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Decoration of a Gentleman's Bust Within a Wreath, Stamped "M. & T. MILLER / NEWPORT, PA", circa 1870, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, flattened rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a heavily-brushed wreath surrounding a gentleman's bust with mustache, goatee, buttoned shirt, and coat. Brushed cobalt highlight to maker's mark, capacity mark, and handle terminals. Few examples of M. & T. Miller stoneware with human designs are known. It is believed that the distinctive mustached figures found on Miller stoneware pieces represent one or both of the brothers, Michael and Theophilus Miller. The bust on this crock shares characteristics with the incised bust design on the iconic Miller birdhouse, sold in Crocker Farm, Inc.'s November 4, 2006 auction. Interestingly, however, the face appears to be different than that found on a jar sold by Crocker Farm on March 14, 2015, as that example lacked the goatee. It is, therefore, possible that the brothers, Michael and Theophilus Miller, were depicted individually on different pieces. Significant, deep and unstable flakes throughout the crock. Large rim chips. Thin 6" crack from rim. H 11".