Extremely Rare "JC Pittmans Jug / made By JWP" Graves County, Kentucky Stoneware Jug

March 23, 2019 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 228

Price Realized: $590.00

($500 hammer, plus 18% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 5 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.

March 23, 2019 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Jug, Incised "JC Pittmans Jug / made By JWP", Pittman Family, Graves County, Kentucky origin, circa 1880, cylindrical jug with slightly-flared spout, the surface covered in Albany slip and incised with the inscription, "JC Pittmans Jug / made By JWP". Incised "X" to midsection. James William Pittman (1826-1894) is listed in the 1880 federal census as a potter living in the vicinity of Lynnville, Graves County, Kentucky, and his pottery is referenced in a 1905 Kentucky Geological Survey bulletin as follows: "The old pottery, three miles south of Lynnville, on Lynnville and Boydville Road, has been discontinued for several years. It was owned and managed by J. W. Pitman. The clay used was mined near by, from land now owned by Mr. Charles Snow, and yet known as 'the Old Pitman Bank.'" The J. C. Pittman referenced on the jug (for whom it was made) is pretty definitely James W. Pittman's son, John W. C. Pittman, born in 1853. American stoneware vessels inscribed by the potter to very close family members are exceedingly rare. A wonderful example of Kentucky stoneware. Small spout chips. A few in-the-firing contact marks to surface. H 14 1/4".