Very Rare Anna Pottery Match Safe w/ Sow and Piglets: "WHAT IS HOME WITHOUT A MOTHER"

Spring 2026 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 60

Price Realized: $5,100.00

($4,250 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

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Auction Highlight: Spring 2026 Auction | Anna Pottery

Spring 2026 Auction Catalog

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Very Rare Salt-Glazed Stoneware Match Safe with Sow and Piglets, Inscribed "Illinois Suckers" and Impressed "WHAT IS HOME WITHOUT A MOTHER," Marked "ANNA POTTERY / ANNA, ILL.," Dated 1891, figures of a reclining sow and six suckling piglets on oblong base with applied water pump and trough forming a match safe. Surface covered in a whitish slip, decorated with Albany slip highlights to the pigs, and covered in a clear salt glaze. Incised with the cobalt-highlighted inscription, "Illinois Suckers," beside the pigs. Impressed on the front edge of the base with the cobalt-highlighted slogan, "WHAT IS HOME WITHOUT A MOTHER." Underside impressed with Anna Pottery maker's mark above the incised date, "1891." One of a small number of examples of this form known. Provenance: From a long-term Illinois collection consigned to this auction. Significant restored damage typical of this form. Most of trough restored. Full restoration to pump. Far proper right piglet fully restored. Other small restorations to piglets, including ears. L (of base) 6 3/4".