Extremely Rare Painted Redware Figure of a Spaniel, attrib. S. Bell & Sons, Strasburg, VA

Summer 2026 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 306

Price Realized: $5,400.00

($4,500 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

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Auction Highlight: AMERICA 250 Auction | Shenandoah Pottery | Southern Redware

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Extremely Rare Painted Redware Figure of a Spaniel, attributed to S. Bell & Sons, Strasburg, VA, circa 1890, molded figure of a seated spaniel with original red-and-white-painted surface with black, yellow, and red painted details. Incised details to face. Original vent hole in underside and belly. Spaniel forms by the Strasburg Bells are significantly rarer than those produced by their relatives in Waynesboro. This example's paint pattern is loosely related to those found on the more-well-known black-and-white-painted spaniels from Waynesboro. It features a freestanding front leg, carved away from the remainder of the mold, a Strasburg treatment noted by Shenandoah Valley pottery authority, Dr. H.E. Comstock, in his book, The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, p. 251. Literature: Listed in Rice and Stoudt, The Shenandoah Pottery, p. 241, no. 1585. Includes original Alvin Rice catalog number and price in black crayon on underside, reading "1585 / 50.00." Losses to both front feet. Otherwise excellent condition with strong paint under an old coat of varnish. H 9".