Extremely Rare 5 Gal. COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA Stoneware Water Cooler

July 16, 2016 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 377

Price Realized: $2,875.00

($2,500 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 10 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.

July 16, 2016 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Water Cooler with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA", Incised on Underside "H", circa 1865, cylindrical form with tooled shoulder, squared rim, applied lug handles, and circular bung hole at base, decorated with a two-stemmed branch bearing leaves and tulip. Heavy cobalt daubs and banding to bunghole. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark, capacity mark, and handle terminals. This cooler includes a large cursive letter H, lightly-incised into the underside with a blunt tool, possibly the signature of the potter or representing the city of Harrisburg. Featuring strong decoration and brilliant color, it is one of a small number of Cowden & Wilcox water coolers known. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor decades ago. Long vertical crack from rim on right side of cooler, ending at base. This crack includes a 4" horizontal hairline that extends off from the crack at the shoulder, under the right handle. A minor worn spot on interior of rim. H 11".