Rare and Important JOHN BELL Redware Toy Spittoon for Daughter "Myrtle E. Bell"

October 26, 2019 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 145

Price Realized: $2,950.00

($2,500 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.

October 26, 2019 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Redware Toy Spittoon, Stamped "JOHN BELL / WAYNESBORO'", Inscribed "Myrtle E. Bell / February the 11, 1873", PA origin, 1873, cylindrical form with flared base and scalloped opening at shoulder, the lead-glazed surface decorated with sponged manganese over a yellowish-orange ground. Underside incised "Myrtle E. Bell / February the 11, 1873" and impressed with a John Bell maker's mark. Myrtle E. Bell (1869-1935) was the granddaughter of potter, John Bell (1800-1880), and the daughter of potter, Victor Conrad Bell (1845-1925). This toy spittoon was made for Myrtle Bell when she was four years old and is one of a small number of John Bell products, among these a flowerpot with pedestal base and a figure of a horse, bearing a presentation inscription to her. Myrtle Bell (later Myrtle Deardorff) would eventually come to own the contents of the Bell Pottery, and a large sale was held in 1935 of these goods, which included several rare figural examples. Exceptional size and condition with an important Bell family presentation inscription. Excellent, essentially as-made condition. H 1 3/4" ; Diam. 3 5/8".