Extremely Rare WESTLER & EDWARDS / BERWICK, PA Decorated Stoneware Batter Pail

Summer 2023 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 478

Price Realized: $780.00

($650 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: The American ceramics market frequently changes, often dramatically. 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 2023 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Stoneware Batter Pail with Abstract Stenciled Heart Motif, Stamped "WESTLER & EDWARDS / BERWICK, PA.," circa 1885, vasiform vessel with tubular pouring spout, applied clay tabs fitted with a hand-forged iron make-do handle, and applied clay handle at base on reverse; decorated with stenciled design composed of four hearts surrounded by stylized designs including fleur-de-lis motifs to the left and right. Brushed cobalt highlights to the applied clay ears and base of spout. Includes old tin spout cover. The first example of stoneware from this potting firm that we have offered, featuring the region's premiere vessel form. Literature: A batter pail bearing the same mark and decoration is illustrated in Schaltenbrand, Big Ware Turners, p. 33, described as "Very rare Columbia County batter pail stamped "WESSLER(sic) & EDWARDS/BERWICK, PA." Schaltenbrand notes on the following page, "A competitor of H.C. Freas was Jesse Edwards who with a partner named Wessler made stoneware in Berwick in the 1880s. Lasansky mentions this firm and rare pieces do exist with the mark, WESSLER(sic) & EDWARDS, BERWICK, PA" (Schaltenbrand, p. 34). Losses to the applied clay tabs during use lead its owner to acquire an iron bail handle for the pail, which is affixed through two later piercings. A top-to-bottom crack on side of pail, extending across underside, and forming a wide Y at base on opposing side. Two chips to spout. Interior of rim with a small chip and wear. Wear to Albany slip on interior. Minor remnants on old paint to surface, unrelated to any sort of restoration. H (excluding handle) 10 1/4.