Outstanding Six-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Inscription, "American StoneWare," Ohio origin, circa 1876, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, featuring the large freehand cobalt inscription, "American / StoneWare," underscored by a series of diagonal dashes. Slip-trailed "6," flanked by flourishes at the shoulder. This boldly-decorated work touts America's independence as a producer of stoneware and was likely made for display at a fair or exhibition, probably during the Centennial. In its day, it served as a reminder of how far the nation had come as a domestic manufacturer of quality household wares. Provenance: Ex-Al Behr; Ex-John Martinelli; recently resurfaced in New York State. Excellent condition with only minor flaws. Light bubbling to cobalt. A 3 1/2" Y-shaped line below "e" in "StoneWare." Shallow chipping to one handle, as well as a 5/8" in-the-firing line to end of same handle. H 13 1/2".