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Outstanding JOHN BELL Redware Jug w/ Profuse Manganese Decoration, J. W. BELL / 1865

March 24, 2018 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 317

Price Realized: $5,605.00

($4,750 hammer, plus 18% buyer's premium)

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Auction Highlight: March 24, 2018 Auction | John Bell Pottery | Redware

March 24, 2018 Auction Catalog

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Exceptional One-Gallon Redware Jug with Profuse Manganese Decoration, Signed "J.W. BELL / 1865", Stamped "JOHN BELL", Waynesboro, PA origin, 1865, semi-ovoid jug with tooled spout, the surface profusely-decorated with reddish-brown manganese sponging over an unusual cream-colored (as opposed to slip-coated) base clay. Underside inscribed with the manganese signature and date, "J.W. BELL / 1865", indicating John Bell's son, John William Bell (1828-1895) as the maker. This jug was made fifteen years before John W. Bell took ownership of his father's shop and bears the stamp of his father, "JOHN BELL", above a one-gallon capacity mark at the shoulder. Appealing in its color, father and son signatures, and condition, this jug is regarded as one of the finest Bell family examples that we have offered in the past several years. Provenance: From a Virginia estate. Jug survives in remarkable, excellent condition, retaining a high gloss to surface, with some expected minor scratches. H 11 3/4".