Extremely Rare Small-Sized Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug with Incised Initial, Edgefield District, SC origin, circa 1825, highly-ovoid jug with tooled shoulder, coved spout with semi-rounded mouth, and ribbed handle with triangular lower terminal featuring three gouged accents. Incised at shoulder with what appears to be a sideways "m" with looping ends. Surface covered in an olive-green alkaline glaze. This jug is reportedly one of only two jugs potted and inscribed in the manner. Its curious incised marking at the shoulder likely does not read "3," which would typically denote the capacity of the vessel, as the jug measures one gallon or less. Instead, the marking, likely a sideways script "m," probably refers to the jug's maker. The vessel's distinctive spout and handle treatments and thin-walled construction indicate a skilled craftsman with an artistic flair. The discovery of other examples may one day give an identity to this figure. Provenance: From a fifty-year SC collection. A crack across underside, continuing 5 3/8" up reverse and 1" up front. A 3/4" spout chip. A faint hairline in underside of handle near upper terminal, partially visible on top surface of handle. H 10 1/2".
