Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, c1935

Fall 2026 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 39

Estimate: $2,000-$3,000. About Estimates   About Shipping

Minimum Bid: $500.

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Fall 2026 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, circa 1935, wide-bodied, ovoid pitcher with narrow base, short collar, and pronounced, upswept spout, the front decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay face, including eyes with recessed sockets, well-sculpted nose, open, smiling mouth, rounded chin, and distinctive ears with recessed interiors. Surface covered in a cream-colored glaze with cobalt highlights to the collar and figure's eyes. The outstanding blue-over-cream glaze scheme on this example, common to smaller table ware from this shop, was developed by Clara Maude Cobb Hilton (1885-1969), wife of pottery owner, Ernest Auburn Hilton (1879-1948). Its high-gloss glaze was likely produced from the pottery's usual source of ground Coca-Cola bottles. An old pencil inscription on the underside reads, "5- / Handmade." Among the finest works known by this historic North Carolina potting dynasty. Provenance: The Estate of Robert A. Ellison, Jr. Shallow chipping to tip of spout. Base chips. A firing crack to proper right side of chin, not visible on interior. H 9 1/4".

Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, c1935Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, c1935Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, c1935Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, c1935Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, c1935Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, c1935Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, c1935Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, c1935Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, c1935

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