Extremely Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Floral Decoration and Impressed Capitol Building, Stamped "T.H. WILLSON & CO. / HARRISBURG, PA", circa 1852, semi-ovoid jar with tooled shoulder and flattened rim, brush-decorated around the shoulder with a continuous undulating vine bearing groups of leaves and a stylized flower blossom surrounding the maker's mark, "T.H. WILLSON & CO. / HARRISBURG, PA." bordering an image of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Impressed "1" above. Considered among the most decorative 19th century American stoneware maker's marks known, the T.H. Willson "capitol stamp" is rarely seen, achieving an icon status among Central Pennsylvania stoneware enthusiasts. The building represented on this jar is known as the Hills Capitol, which was destroyed by fire in 1897. Attesting to its rarity, this jar is only the second example bearing this mark that we have offered. Provenance: Herb and Carol Hausmann Collection. A long, sealed horizontal crack extending around much of base, adjoining a 5 1/2" and 5" vertical line ascending from base. These two vertical lines additionally extend 1 1/2" and 1" onto underside respectively. Some light residue to surface. H 9 1/4".
