Exceedingly Rare and Important WM. PORTER, Pleasantville, PA Stoneware Pitcher w/ Federal Eagle Motifs
Summer 2025 Stoneware Auction
Lot #: 2
Estimate: $15,000-$25,000. About Estimates About Shipping
Minimum Bid: $3,000.
Exceedingly Rare and Important Stoneware Pitcher with Double Applied Eagle Decoration and Brushed Cobalt Star and Foliate Motif, Stamped Twice "WM. PORTER," Pleasantville, Venango County, PA, circa 1830, approximately two-gallon, highly ovoid pitcher with short collar, large molded pouring spout, and applied strap handle with upswept lower terminal. Decorated with a large molded spread-winged eagle on both sides, highlighted in cobalt slip and applied below the maker's mark "WM. PORTER," flanked by brushed cobalt stars. Each eagle is underscored by dramatic wreath or floral cobalt brushwork. Collar and handle profusely decorated with brushed swags and spout decorated with vertical stripes. The potter, William Porter, came from the Rochester, New York, stoneware tradition, having working there with his family before departing for Pleasantville. He was lured to Pennsylvania in the 1820's by his father-in-law, Aaron Benedict, founder of the town, who enticed him with correspondence boasting of the area's large clay deposits. The establishment of Porter's shop marked the beginning of a long legacy of stoneware production by his family in Western Pennsylvania. Interestingly, one of Pennsylvania's first oil wells was discovered on William Porter's farm (Ketchum, American Stoneware, p. 93). This pitcher has an exceptional form, clearly influenced by imported Staffordshire ceramics of the late 18th through mid 19th centuries. It closely resembles a small number of important pitchers made circa 1840 at the Henry Lowndes pottery in Petersburg, VA. Lowndes had no doubt learned this style from his English roots. As a child, he had immigrated to Virginia from Staffordshire, England, and his father, Thomas, who was also a potter, had almost certainly learned the trade there. Similarly, the Porter pitcher was likely made or influenced by British-trained potters who immigrated to America. According to written histories of Pleasantville and Venango County, the Porter pottery was most well known for its high quality Rockingham and Liverpool Queensware, and the business actually hired Scottish potters to produce such items. It is likely that one of these men had a hand in making this pitcher. This patriotic work combines stylish form, fine figural decoration, and a rare maker to produce one of the finest Western Pennsylvania stoneware pitchers known. Near mint condition with a minor base chip and base nick. A few salt drips to reverse. H 12 1/2".
Click images to enlarge.
