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Rare and Important J. W. COWDEN / HARRISBURG, PA Syrup Jug w/ Muncy, PA Inscription

October 26, 2019 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 39

Price Realized: $18,880.00

($16,000 hammer, plus 18% buyer's premium)

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Auction Highlight: October 26, 2019 Auction | Central PA Stoneware

October 26, 2019 Auction Catalog

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Possibly Unique Stoneware Presentation Syrup Jug with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Inscribed "Muncy Pa / Jas. M. Bowman" and "manufd by / J.W. COWDEN / HARRISBURG. PA," circa 1861, unusual, tapering form with angled shoulder, rounded neck molding and pinched pouring spout, decorated with two brushed tulips above the incised and cobalt-highlighted inscription, "Jas. M. Bowman" and "manuf'd by / J.W. COWDEN / HARRISBURG. PA." Raised neck molding incised "Muncy Pa." Cobalt highlights to handle terminals. This stylishly-potted and delicately-inscribed work was made at the John W. Cowden pottery for Muncy, PA merchant, James M. Bowman. The use of hand incising on a piece from this region is extremely rare and its angular form is previously undocumented in Harrisburg stoneware production from this time period. Note the addition of light hand incising to the maker's mark to add to its clarity. Provenance: From a forty-year Pennsylvania collection. A thin crack across underside, extending approximately 6 1/4" up right side of jug. A chip to far right edge of spout. Areas of discoloration to left side of jug. H 11 3/4".