Outstanding H. C. SMITH / ALEXA. / D.C. Alexandria Stoneware Pitcher

November 3, 2018 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 308

Price Realized: $1,534.00

($1,300 hammer, plus 18% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 6 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.

November 3, 2018 Auction Catalog

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Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Chain Link and Floral Motifs, Stamped "H.C. SMITH / ALEXA / D.C.", Alexandria, D.C. (now Virginia) origin, circa 1835, ovoid pitcher with squared rim, decorated around the sides and front with two sweeping cobalt floral motifs and on the reverse with two fern-shaped foliate motifs. Collar decorated with large chain links. Cobalt highlights to handle terminals. Front impressed with the mark of Wilkes Street Pottery owner, Hugh Charles Smith, below a one-gallon capacity mark. Exceptional form with strong decoration. One of a small number of signed H.C. Smith pitchers that we have ever offered. Areas of light exfoliation to surface, including a 1 1/8" worn contact mark to side of pitcher. Two salt drips to right side of pitcher. Chips to molding at base of collar. Chips to base of rim molding. Wear to rim and spout. A shallow 1" rim chip on reverse. A very tight, star-shaped network of cracks to underside. Wear to interior base area.