Rare J. B. PFALTZGRAFF & CO. / YORK, PA Stoneware Crock w/ Bird Decoration

July 20, 2019 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 437

Price Realized: $1,770.00

($1,500 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.

July 20, 2019 Auction Catalog

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Bird Decoration, Stamped "J.B. PFALTZGRAFF & CO. / YORK, PA", circa 1855-1880, cylindrical form with tooled shoulder, squared rim, and applied lug handles, decorated in vivid cobalt slip with a crested bird, depicted with a turned head and plumed tail, perched on a branch. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and handle terminals. Avian designs from this well-known 19th and 20th century stoneware producer are considered rare. This example features an exceptional small size and excellent color to the decoration. An approximately 1 1/2" rim chip above left handle, including a tightly-sealed top-to-bottom crack descending from it. An additional hairline below same handle, measuring 5 3/4" on side of crock, extending 2 1/2" onto underside. Two additional small chips to exterior of rim. Two small, glazed-over chips to left handle. A small in-the-firing iron ping to interior of rim. An in-the-firing fissure to underside, not visible on interior. Two minor chips to underside at edge, both of which appear to be in-the-firing.