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 7 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. Please Contact Us for a Current, Accurate assessment of your items.

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".