Exceptional Anna Pottery Pig Flask for "Peter N. Staff / Lake Shore Saloon / Terra Haute"

March 23, 2019 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 44

Price Realized: $2,714.00

($2,300 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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Exceptional Large-Sized Anna Pottery Stoneware Pig Flask with Lake Shore Saloon / Terre Haute, IN Advertising, Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1880, molded flask in the form of an anatomically-correct sow with hole in rear and incised details to face and hooves, incised on one side with the elaborate Indiana advertising, "Peter Staff, / Proprietor / Lak(sic) Shore Saloon. / main bet ninth and tenth streets / Terrehaute / the best wines Liquors and Cigars Constantly in-(pointing to pig's rear end). Reverse incised with elaborate inscription "Think it not passing strange or unlawful / If within this hog you find the mountain dew or Overjoyful / Use but dont abuse the Liquid of this Pork". Underside incised "3150". The term, "mountain dew", was a generic term for whiskey during the 19th century. Other than the iconic "Springfield Hog" (lot 356 in Crocker Farm, Inc.'s March 3, 2013 auction) this pig is the largest example of the form that we have ever offered. Its unusual sow form, strong advertising, and a whimsical slogan in the classic Kirkpatrick style, are all other noteworthy attributes of this work. Provenance: A recently-discovered example, which descended in the family of the consignor. A broken and tightly reglued 4" x 3" section to reverse with a faint 2" line extending off from it. L 8 3/8".