Fine and Rare Ohio Stoneware Snake Temperance Jug: "Take Care they Will Bite"

Fall 2025 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 76

Price Realized: $4,800.00

($4,000 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.

Auction Highlight: Fall 2025 Auction | Ohio & Midwest

Fall 2025 Auction Catalog

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Rare Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Temperance Jug with Applied Snake Decoration, Inscribed "Take Care they Will Bite," OH origin, circa 1880, cylindrical form with rounded shoulder and short spout, the handle modeled in the form of a large rattlesnake coiled around the body of the vessel and spout, the surface further decorated with a wavy applied rattlesnake around the midsection and coiled rattlesnake at the shoulder. Elaborate impressed scaling appears throughout the bodies of the snakes. The base and shoulder of the vessel are embellished with impressed circle and cross-within-diamond designs and the spout is bordered by impressed squares with crossed interiors. One side of the jug features impressed and incised star motifs. The surface is coated in a reddish-brown Albany slip glaze and incised at the midsection with the slogan, "Take Care they Will Bite." A wonderful example of ceramic folk art, this work shares some similarities in its form and bold use of impressed decoration to a jug inscribed "Christy town Pottery Works / Nov 27th 1883," made in Mahoning County, OH and sold in Crocker Farm's Summer 2023 Auction, lot 88. Restoration to most of small coiled snake at shoulder. Restoration to head of middle-sized snake applied at midsection. Otherwise excellent condition. H 9 7/8".