Extremely Rare Salt-Glazed Stoneware Flask, Stamped "SMITH," Samuel Smith Pottery, Knox County, TN, circa 1820-1830, wheel-thrown, ovoid form with depressed sides and semi-rounded rim, the surface dipped in a reddish-brown iron solution and covered in a clear salt glaze. Underside impressed with highly unusual Samuel Smith Pottery maker's mark, reading "SMITH" in large letters. Wahler states the following about this flask in her notes: "This is the first Samuel Smith piece I ever saw. I thought it was Smith in Blount Co. Charlie Faulkner clued me in in '86 when Jeff almost dropped the box it was inside. Charlie said something like 'this is one of the earliest pieces of Knox County pottery.' That got my attention. . . "SMITH" stamp is slightly different from known "SMITH.IR" stamps. . . This stamp is qualitatively different from the other Smith, Jr. stamps. I have always felt that Sam, Sr. potted this one. Steve received an ad from someone which validates my claim that he did exist! I knew it from tax records and a complaint that Jr. and Sr. were not keeping up the road in front of their place. Nov. 2011 Coker sold a 5" jug with replaced handle which has this stamp. That is only other stamp like this one I have ever seen." Exhibited: Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Literature: Illustrated in Wahler, Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Part One, p. 109, fig. 117, pl. 17, and p. 211, fig. 117. Excellent condition with a small in-the-firing base chip and minor chip to underside along bottom edge. H 6 1/2".
