Very Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Water Cooler with Applied Eagle and Floral Motif, Inscribed "E. PLURIBUS UNUM," attributed to Thompson & Co., Gardiner, Maine, circa 1850, urn-shaped cooler with tooled shoulder, flared rim, and applied lug handles. Front decorated with a molded and applied design of a central flower flanked by two eagles holding a banner, inscribed "E. PLURIBUS UNUM". Additional scrolled floral decorations to the left and right. Cobalt highlight surrounding bunghole and at the handle terminals. Additional cobalt spots to bunghole. As discussed in Lura Woodside Watkins' book, Early New England Potters and Their Wares, this cooler was probably made by Franklin Wight, an itinerant potter known for his relief designs, who was active in Ashfield, Massachusetts, in 1852 and 1853 (Watkins, p. 109). Sealed jagged crack on reverse extending onto underside and across to front. Some additional short faint lines extending off of crack on reverse. An additional 5 3/4" hairline on reverse. Faint surface lines at base on front. 2" hairline from rim on front. Two chips to one handle. H 13 3/4".
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