Exceptional Large-Sized Presentation Sewer Tile Figure of an Alligator, Inscribed "Miss Bessie mae Heath" and "Make by S.L. Williams," Southeastern U.S. origin, circa 1925, hand-modeled figure of an alligator with circular ash tray in back, reclining on a slab base with upward-pointing head and open mouth holding a lamp fixture, including a pierced hole for a lamp wire at base of neck. A wonderful folk art depiction of the animal with appealing stance, bulging eyes, protruding tongue, kerchief around neck, and elaborate carved detail throughout. A small coiled rattlesnake is applied beside the alligator. The figure is incised across one side with the name, "Miss Bessie mae Heath," the sculpture's owner, and on the underside with the signature, "Make by S.L. Williams." The top of the base includes sand creating a gritty texture. Wonderful original painted surface including detailed teeth. According to the 1920 federal census, Oscar Williams, an African-American employee of the Stevens Pottery, had an 11-year-old daughter named Sarah Lou Williams, and it is possible that she was involved with the making of this object. As the vast majority of American sewer tile pieces were produced in Ohio, this masterpiece of the medium is one of a relatively small number of pieces attributable to a Southern maker. Provenance: Ex-David Good. Snake missing snout. Otherwise excellent condition. A candle is fixed inside the opening of the wedge within the alligator's mouth, indicating its use as a candle holder at some point. L 12 1/2" ; W 9 1/8" ; H 7 5/8".
