Rare J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT Stoneware Crock w/ Dog Decoration

Summer 2020 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 126

Price Realized: $1,020.00

($850 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 4 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.

Summer 2020 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Five-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Standing Dog Decoration, Stamped "J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT," circa 1855, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-squared rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a slip-trailed design of a spotted dog with turned head, standing atop a stylized ground with pine tree in the distance. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and capacity mark. The design was executed by John Hilfinger (1826-1888), an itinerant artist born in Wurttemberg, Germany. who was active at several potteries in New York State and New England during the third quarter of the 19th century. Arguably his finest work is found on Norton family stoneware from Bennington, where he was employed from 1855 to 1864. Hilfinger's dog motif is the most unusual Norton stoneware design employed with any regularity. Attesting to the rarity of this design, this crock is the first Norton dog-decorated piece that we have ever offered. Significant exfoliation. Significant damage to one handle. Shallow chipping and exfoliation to opposite handle. A 6 1/2" crack from rim on front. A few small rim chips and heavy exfoliation to rim on reverse. H 12 5/8".