Rare Small-Sized Stoneware Pitcher by Rufus West at the Thompson Pottery, Morgantown, WV, c1875

Summer 2020 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 176

Price Realized: $2,400.00

($2,000 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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Rare Small-Sized Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Inscribed "R. West," Rufus West at the Thompson Pottery, Morgantown, WV origin, circa 1875, ovoid pitcher with tooled rim and raised molding at base of collar, featuring the brushed cobalt name, "R. West," flanked by stylized floral motifs in the style of the Thompson Pottery of Morgantown, WV. Additional Thompson-style floral motifs decorate the pitcher's collar. Cobalt stripes appear at the base of the collar and along the edges of the handle, along with a cobalt highlight to the base of the handle. The pitcher's maker, Rufus West, was born near Palatine, WV, his mother dying when he was young. His adopted parents sent him to engineering school at West Virginia University. West worked his way through school producing pottery for the Thompsons. Only two signed pieces of his work are known to exist. He became Dean of the School of Engineering and the Rufus West Award was created in his honor, given to the best freshman engineering student and still awarded today. West was also a noted amateur photographer for area landscapes and events. Included with this lot is a photograph of the WVU football team with typed notation from West to a friend, dated April 7, 1950. Significant sealed cracks around the sides indicate this pitcher was likely broken and reglued a long time ago. Traces of old white paint to interior. H 8".