Extremely Rare Dunn Pottery, Smithville, TN Stoneware Presentation Compote: "1889 / Miss Dunn"

Winter 2026 Auction of the Carole Wahler Collection

Lot #: 25

Price Realized: $19,200.00

($16,000 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

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

Winter 2026 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Glazed Stoneware Presentation Compote, Inscribed "Smithville Deklb(sic) Co Millard(?) J Dun(sic) 1889 / Miss Dunn," Dunn Pottery, Smithville, TN, 1889, wide-mouthed, ovoid form with tooled rim and shoulder on elaborately-turned, pedestal base, featuring the incised inscription, "Smithville Deklb(sic) Co Millard(?) J Dun(sic) 1889" underscored by the name, "Miss Dunn," the vessel's owner. Exceptional form and scarce inscription. Exhibited: Art of Tennessee, Frist Center for Visual Arts, September 13, 2003 - January 18, 2004; Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Wahler describes this piece in her notes with, "This is the only compote I have ever seen, either earthenware or stoneware." Excellent condition with a few minor rim chips. H 5 7/8" ; Diam. (at rim) 6 3/8".

Extremely Rare Dunn Pottery, Smithville, TN Stoneware Presentation Compote: "1889 / Miss Dunn"

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