Historically Significant Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Inscription, "John Brown / a Old Vet," Stamped "NEW YORK / STONEWARE CO. / FORT EDWARD, N.Y.," circa 1861, semi-ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, applied lug handles, and semi-squared rim, featuring the slip-trailed inscription, "John Brown / a Old Vet." Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and capacity mark. This jar commemorates the abolitionist, John Brown (1800-1859), who led a raid on a Federal armory in Harper's Ferry, Viriginia (now West Virginia) in October 1859. Brown and his followers killed seven and injured ten more in the raid, stealing weapons to give to enslaved African-Americans in an effort to start a revolution. Brown was hanged in December of that year in the first execution of an American citizen convicted of treason. He remains one of the most famous figures associated with the American Civil War era. In the years after his death, he was viewed as a hero and martyr in the North and Union soldiers even marched to the song, "John Brown's Body." This jar, with its wonderful expression, "a Old Vet," goes so far as to identify the man as a soldier of sorts fighting for the Union cause. Provenance: Purchased by the consignor in 1971 from Leigh and Leslie Keno at Brimfield, Massachusetts. A few rim chips. Chipping and wear to inner rim for lid. Proper left handle with a 1" crack to edge and minor nick. A 1" chip and minor nick to proper right handle. H 13 1/4".
