Very Unusual Stoneware Birdhouse or Bank Inscribed "Timothy F. Allen"

November 2, 2013 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 112

Price Realized: $1,035.00

($900 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 11 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 2, 2013 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Presentation Birdhouse, Inscribed "Timothy F. Allen," Northeastern U.S. origin, second half 19th century, ovoid form with tall octagonal finial, tooled shoulder, and carved circular opening. Incised in cobalt-highlighted script "Timothy F. Allen". Cobalt stripe decoration to shoulder. Heavy cobalt applied to entire finial. An exceedingly rare form, being one of only a small number of cobalt-decorated stoneware birdhouses known. Census research indicates there were too many people by the name of Timothy Allen living during this time period to determine more information about the birdhouse's owner. Small in-the-firing surface chip / contact mark to left of incised name. Two hairlines emanating from the carved opening, one extending upward into the finial and the other extending to the bottom edge of the birdhouse. Some very minor wear to upper right of opening. H 7".