Exceptional S. BELL & SON / STRASBURG, VA Redware Jar w/ Sponged Copper Decoration

November 2, 2013 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 507

Price Realized: $6,210.00

($5,400 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 12 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.

Auction Highlight: November 2, 2013 Auction | Shenandoah Pottery

November 2, 2013 Auction Catalog

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Exceptional Shenandoah Valley Glazed Redware Jar, Stamped "S. BELL & SON / STRASBURG," Virginia origin, circa 1890, ovoid jar with unusual heavily-scored rim, the surface coated in a cream-colored slip and profusely-decorated with large copper splotches. Exterior surface covered in a clear lead glaze. Interior covered in a speckled manganese glaze. Deeply-impressed with "S. BELL & SON / STRASBURG" maker's mark at shoulder. A striking example with desirable, ornamented rim and a well-defined copper splotch decoration, differing from the typical streaked and blended multi-glaze of the period. One of the finest Bell jars of this type we have seen. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, recently discovered in West Virginia. 4 1/2" surface line on underside, continuing 5/8" onto base, where it forms a T. An additional, minor 1 1/2" surface line on underside, which continues 5/8" onto base. These lines on the underside are not visible on the interior. 3 1/8" inverted Y-shaped crack from rim. Typical wear to rim. H 9 3/8".