Very Rare One-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Batter Pail with Sideburned Man-in-the-Moon Motif, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1865, ovoid form with tubular pouring spout, handle at base on reverse, and applied clay tabs fitted with a wood-and-wire bail handle, brush-decorated on the reverse with the profile of a long-nosed man's face including highly unusual lambchop sideburn below ear, all surrounded by a crescent-shaped foliate motif. Front decorated with a large wreath culminating in two flower buds, along with a second, smaller wreath at the base of the spout. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark, applied clay tabs at shoulder, and handle terminals. Includes tin covers. This work combines this pottery's most iconic motif with one of its most desirable forms. Attesting to its rarity, it is only the second signed Cowden & Wilcox batter pail with man-in-the-moon decoration that we have ever offered. It is the first rendering of the motif that we have sold to include a sideburn on the face. A long, tightly-sealed horizontal spider line extending from area directly below spout, across side of batter pail, and into the decoration on the reverse. A 3/4" vertical surface line to rim on reverse, not visible on interior. A 3/4" wide, inverted U-shaped surface line to rim on reverse, not visible on interior. A 2" T-shaped hairline to spout, descending from some minor rim wear. A minor, glazed-over ping to shoulder on front. H (excluding lid) 8 1/2".
