Extremely Rare and Important Six-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Freehand Cobalt Inscription, Alexander and William Boughner, Greensboro, PA, 1863, cylindrical jar with heavily-tooled midsection, semi-rounded rim, and ribbed lug handles, the front decorated with the freehand cobalt inscription "A. & W. B. / Greensboro, PA / Oct 9th 1863". Lines of the inscription are separated by cobalt stripes. Base decorated with a cobalt 6 flanked by dashes. The signature across the shoulder, "A. & W. B.," refers to potters Alexander and William Boughner, sons of another potter, Daniel Boughner, and members of the first family of stoneware producers in Greene County, Pennsylvania. An impressed makers mark of the same initials, "A. & W. B.," is occasionally found on Boughner stoneware, but is considered rare, as are any signed examples. This jar, however, is particularly notable in its exceptionally rare style of signature, hand inscribed by the potter. Excellent condition. Two chips to end of one handle. Minor 2 1/2" line at base, not visible on interior. Contact mark on reverse. H 17".
