Very Rare Small Stoneware Druggists Jar attrib. Samuel Wilson, probably at B. Duval / Richmond Pottery

Fall 2025 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 329

Price Realized: $2,400.00

($2,000 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.

Fall 2025 Auction Catalog

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Very Rare Diminutive Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Drape-and-Tassel Decoration, attributed to Samuel Wilson, probably at the Benjamin DuVal & Co. Pottery, Richmond, VA, circa 1817-1820, cylindrical jar with footed base, tapered shoulder, and rounded rim, brush-decorated around the shoulder with a Federal drape-and-tassel motif related to Northeastern designs of the period. This vessel, possibly the smallest known attributable to Wilson, was likely made circa 1817-1820 at the pottery of Richmond druggist, Benjamin DuVal, shortly after the former's training in Albany, New York circa 1813-1816. Its highly unusual size and scarce form suggest it may have been made as an apothecary jar for DuVal's pharmacy. Literature: Robert Hunter and Marshall Goodman, in their Ceramics in America 2005 article, "The Destruction of the Benjamin DuVal Stoneware Manufactory, Richmond, Virginia," illustrate jar fragments from this site in figure 28 that "probably represent the 1/8-gallon (one pint) jars advertised by DuVal, which undoubtedly he used in his apothecary business." Essentially as-made condition with a narrow 1" in-the-firing base flake, a minor in-the-firing contact mark to rim and shoulder, and minor shoulder wear. H 5 1/2".