Extremely Rare Small-Sized Stoneware Jug with Impressed Decoration, Stamped "GIN * J," attributed to Thomas Warne and/or Joshua Letts, South Amboy, NJ, early 19th century, ovoid jug with footed base and heavily-tooled spout, impressed with the beverage name, "GIN * J," above an impressed rosette. Brushed iron-slip highlights to inscription, impressed motif, and handle terminals. This jug is possibly the smallest known example of stoneware attributed to this famous New Jersey shop. Pieces produced by Thomas Warne and his son-in-law, Joshua Letts, typically bear various maker's marks featuring the names of these two potters, along with the town name, South Amboy, New Jersey, and, on better examples, the inscription, "LIBERTY FOREV." This jug is the first example of Warne and/or Letts's work that we have seen featuring a stamp indicating what it was made to hold. The letter, "J," following the word, "GIN," may refer to jenever, a juniper-flavored liquor often referred to as Holland, Dutch, or Geneva gin, that served as the basis for modern-day gin. A 3/4" x 3/8" spout chip. A glazed-over ping to midsection on front. A minor base chip. Some light staining. A short line next to the impressed rosette was incised prior to the firing and is not a crack. H 7 3/4".
