H. SMITH & CO, Alexandria, VA Stoneware Jar Incised "M" on Underside

April 10, 2010 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 215

Price Realized: $1,207.50

($1,050 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 14 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.

April 10, 2010 Auction Catalog

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Rare One-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jar with Initial "M" on Underside, Stamped "H. SMITH & CO.," Alexandria, VA origin, circa 1825, ovoid jar with arching tab handles, rounded rim, and tooled shoulder, decorated with a brushed cobalt floral motif consisting of a circular blossom with leafy trails surrounding the maker's mark. Reverse decorated with a brushed leaf design. Underside incised with the letter "M"? in script. We believe this initial refers to the jar's maker, probably Benedict C. Milburn, who worked with potter, John Swann, and potted for merchant Hugh Charles Smith. To corroborate a Milburn attribution, variants of the distinctive design on this jar can be found on much later products impressed with Milburn's maker's mark. Heavy chipping to one handle. Chips to opposite handle. Two tiny base nicks. H 9 1/2".