Exceedingly Rare and Important "Maj. T Owenby" Stoneware Jar, Union District, South Carolina

Winter 2026 Auction of the Carole Wahler Collection

Lot #: 162

Price Realized: $10,800.00

($9,000 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

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Auction Highlight: Winter 2026 Auction of the Carole Wahler Collection Auction | Southern Pottery

Winter 2026 Auction Catalog

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Exceedingly Rare and Important Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Inscribed "Maj. T Owenby," Thomas Owenby, Sr., Union District, SC, circa 1850, highly-ovoid jar with footed, base thin, semi-rounded rim, and arched lug handles, incised near the midsection with the script signature, "Maj T Owenby." Surface covered in a mottled reddish-brown alkaline glaze with blackish accents to upper body and handles. According to Baldwin's Great and Noble Jar, this Upstate South Carolina potter was living in the Edgefield District circa 1810, likely working as a journeyman for Abner Landrum at Pottersville or his brother, Reverend John Landrum, at his pottery in Horse Creek Valley. The vessel's form, though made roughly forty years later, reflects pieces from these manufactories (Baldwin, pp. 68-69). One of the finest examples of Upstate South Carolina stoneware known, set apart as one of a very few signed pieces known by this influential Edgefield-trained potter. Literature: Illustrated in Baldwin, Great and Noble Jar, p. 68. Provenance: Ex-Collection Terry and Steve Ferrell. One handle professionally restored. Two rim chips. H 10 3/4".