Outstanding Oversized Stoneware Water Cooler with Elaborate Maysville, KY Advertising, Stenciled "E. S. & B. / NEW BRIGHTON / PA," Elverson, Sherwood, and Barker Pottery, New Brighton, PA, circa 1881-1890, approximately thirty-gallon, cylindrical form with wide, semi-squared spout, two vertical, open handles descending from the spout to the shoulder, and circular bunghole at base, the front featuring the stenciled white-slip advertising, "W.L. THOMAS & BRO. / DEALERS IN / STONEWARE, MILK PANS, / FINE GLAZED STEW JARS, / FRUIT JARS, / CUSPADORES.(sic) ETC., / MAYSVILLE. KY.," against a dark-brown, Albany slip ground. Reverse stenciled with the large maker's mark, "E. S. & B. / NEW BRIGHTON / PA," referring to the well-known Western Pennsylvania pottery firm, Elverson, Sherwood, and Barker. At roughly thirty gallons in capacity, this cooler is possibly the largest 19th century stoneware object related to the state of Kentucky and possibly the largest E.S.&B. product in existence. Its remarkable proportions and extensive advertising indicate it likely sat on display as a "storefront piece" at W.L. Thomas & Bro's Maysville, Kentucky shop. A number of period advertisements for this firm have survived, indicating it sold a variety of other housewares and furnishings at its store on the corner of Court and Second Streets, including china, glassware, stoves, tinware, and woodenware. The vessel's white-and-brown slip treatment belongs to regional style also seen in late-period stoneware from the Donaghho Pottery of Parkersburg, West Virginia and Hyssong family of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. The subject matter of the stenciling, referencing various stoneware forms, is both highly appealing and exceptionally rare. This imposing object has broad-based appeal among collectors of Kentucky, Western Pennsylvania, advertising, and large-sized stoneware, as well as general advertising and trade signs. Excellent condition with some light surface wear. The stenciled word, "DEALERS," and the "S" in "STEW" did not survive the firing and were painted in at a later date, presumably by the pottery as part of the production process. H 32".
Special Note: Due to this object's large size, we are unable to ship it using our normal in-house shipping service. It must either be picked up by the high bidder, or special arrangements must be made by the high bidder for pick up and / or shipping by a third party. If you have any questions, please contact us; we are certainly able to recommend options for third party shippers ahead of time that you can contact for a quote.
