Fall 2026 Auction Featured Photos

Dave. Outstanding Twelve-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Inscribed "Lm / Aug 18 - 1857 / Dave," David Drake at Lewis Miles's Stony Bluff Manufactory, Horse Creek Valley, Edgefield District, SC, 1857. The vessel's reverse side is incised with two large slash marks flanked by two rows of six punctates, denoting twelve gallons. Distinguished by its exceptional size, large inscription with signature, and wonderful striated alkaline glaze, this work ranks among the better examples of David Drake stoneware to come to auction in recent years. Exhibited: "Edgefield Pottery from the Ferrell Collection," Morris Museum of Art (Augusta, Georgia), 2012. Provenance: Originally found at the Tupper Barnett House in Washington, Georgia; The Ferrell Collection; Wooten and Wooten Auction of the Ferrell Collection, January 25, 2014, lot 20. H 19 1/4" ; Diam. (at opening) 12 3/4".

Significant Face Jug Discovery. Rare and Important Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Harvest Jug, Edgefield District, SC origin, third quarter 19th century.

Featuring a lesser-seen harvest jug form, desirable large size, and immaculate condition, this recently surfaced work is among the finest Edgefield face vessels to come to market in recent years. Of interesting note is the remarkably small hand print in alkaline glaze on the underside, suggesting the use of child labor at the pottery where it was created. Provenance: Recently found in California, while the consignor was cleaning out her parents' home. The consignor's grandparents were third generation antiques dealers and collectors from New Jersey, and are believed to have acquired the jug in the 1950s or 1960s. H 9".

Painterly Pot. Exceptional Five-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Elaborate Deer Scene, Stamped "JOHN BURGER / ROCHESTER," NY State origin, circa 1860.

Distinguished by its prolific tree decoration, this lot is the most extravagant deer-decorated vessel from Rochester that we have ever offered. The forking of the fanned tree and addition of a second, smaller tree to the deer's rear are most unusual. The deciduous tree to the opposing side of the deer is another interesting touch, taking the place of the usual pine tree commonly seen on such pieces. Of additional note is the atypical attitude of the stag's head, turned and facing upward, as if the animal's attention is drawn to the maker's mark above. The entire design, measuring 10" tall by roughly 15" around the curve of the crock, fills the vessel's front, leaving little room for negative space. Brimming with cobalt, featuring brilliant color, and decorated with a high level of refinement, this lot typifies why the Rochester school is regarded today as the leading producer of 19th century Northeastern stoneware. H 12 5/8".

Figural Masterwork. Exceedingly Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Presentation Pitcher with Hand-Modeled Decoration of a Railroad Conductor, Incised "Here,s to Paps Heath," and Signed "Anna Pottery / Anna Ill / Aug 1884," Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, 1884. Made for Midwestern railroad conductor, Marvin Heath, this pitcher displays a level of artistry rarely encountered in 19th century American stoneware. Provenance: A prominent New England collection; Crocker Farm, Inc., October 25, 2014, lot 117. H 9 3/4".

Advertising Stoneware Masterwork. 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.

Measuring roughly thirty gallons, this astounding cooler features the wonderful stoneware-related advertising, executed in white slip against an Albany slip ground: "W.L. THOMAS & BRO. / DEALERS IN / STONEWARE, MILK PANS, / FINE GLAZED STEW JARS, / FRUIT JARS, / CUSPADORES.(sic) ETC., / MAYSVILLE. KY." The reverse bears the stenciled, white-slip maker's mark of the firm, Elverson, Sherwood, and Barker, of New Brighton, Pennsylvania. 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. At roughly thirty gallons, the 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. 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. H 32".

(Pictured next to an 11 1/2" tall (incl. handle) Akron Stoneware Company harvest jug, for scale.)

Exceptional Two-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug with Kaolin and Iron Slip Decoration, Inscribed "C. Rhodes / Maker / 1850," Shaw's Creek, Edgefield District, SC, 1850. Excellent in all respects, this jug combines outstanding condition, strong kaolin slip decoration, and a scarce Collin Rhodes signature with date. H 14 1/4".

Outstanding Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Freehand Cobalt Decoration and Sacramento, KY Advertising, Stenciled "ManuFACturED. BY / J.H. MiLLER / BRANDENBURG . KY," circa 1860. Featuring a scarce vertical-handled form, top-to-bottom cobalt application, and rare double stenciling for both the merchant and maker, this jar ranks among the finest examples of Miller's work that we have ever offered. H 11 3/4".

Sensational Striper. Exceptional Small-Sized Stoneware Jar with Profuse Cobalt Stripe Decoration, Stenciled "Hamilton & Jones. / STAR POTTERY. / Greensboro Pa.," circa 1870. Among the best pieces featuring Western Pennsylvania's well-known stripe decoration that we have ever offered, this jar is elevated by its top-to-bottom cobalt application including a stenciled signature. H 8 1/4".

Exceptional Stoneware Canning Jar with Profuse Cobalt Decoration and Pleasant Unity, PA Advertising, Western PA origin, circa 1870. H 9 1/2".

Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Elaborate Freehand Cobalt Decoration, Stenciled "FROM / McJOHNSTON BROS. / DEALERS IN / GROCERIES & C. / OWENSBORO. KY," circa 1875. H 15 3/8".

Fine Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Canning Jar with Stenciled Federal Eagle Motif, Stenciled "STAR," Hamilton & Jones, Star Pottery, Greensboro, PA, circa 1870. H 8 1/4".

Outstanding Five-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Cobalt Deer and Tree Scene, Stamped "J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON VT," circa 1855. The composition of this Hilfinger-decorated scene is highly unusual as it favors a tree as the focal point of the image. H 17 3/8".

Rare and Fine One-and-a-Half-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Flying Hawk or Eagle Motif, Stamped "J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT," circa 1855. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., October 28, 2017, lot 223. H 13".

Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Double Pheasant Decoration, Stamped "J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT.," circa 1855. H 15 1/2".

Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Impressed and Cobalt-Decorated Running Horse Design, Stamped "WEST TROY / N.Y. / POTTERY," circa 1875. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., November 2, 2013, lot 218. H 10 1/2".

Exceptional Glazed Redware Cup with Elaborate Slip-Trailed Floral Decoration, Stamped "S. BELL & SON. / STRASBURG," VA origin, circa 1890. This scarce Bell form is typically found with singly dipped or two-toned slip treatments, featuring decoration splashed with a brushed or applied with a sponge. This example's extravagant slip-cup-applied floral motif, vivid color, and superb condition place it among the finest examples of this Bell form known. Literature: Illustrated in Manger, Pottery from the Shenandoah and Cumberland Valleys, p. 81. Provenance: Dr. George and Connie Manger Collection. H 4 1/4" ; Diam (at rim) 5 1/8".

Decoration, Maker, Form, and Size. Exceptional Miniature Glazed Redware Pitcher with Two-Color Slip Decoration, Stamped "JOHN BELL," Waynesboro, PA origin, circa 1840-1880. Among the finest John Bell pitchers that we have ever offered, this work combines rare size with extraordinary decoration. Few examples of Bell's glazed redware feature freehand designs, as this potter preferred sponged slip application. H 4".

Bell Icon. Exceptional Tin-and-Cobalt-Decorated Redware Figure of a Rooster, attributed to John Bell, Waynesboro, PA, circa 1840-1860.

This lot is the finest and most famous of the small group of surviving rooster figures produced by John Bell. Featuring dipped tin and sponged cobalt slips under a clear lead glaze, this work's colorful glaze treament is commonly associated with rare, early-period examples of Bell's hollowware. Believed to be unique, no other Bell figural pieces are known with this glaze. In the case of this example, the translucent tin coating over the object's red clay body produces an appealing pinkish hue. Having sold in the famous Heilman sale at Sotheby's in 1982, this figure was chosen as a cover piece for Dr. George and Connie Manger's 2003 book, Pottery from the Shenandoah and Cumberland Valleys. Literature: Illustrated in Comstock, The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, p. 157, fig. 4.129; Illustrated in Manger, Pottery from the Shenandoah and Cumberland Valleys, cover and p. 38. Provenance: Sotheby's, American Folk Art, Furniture and Related Decorative Arts: The Collection of the Late Pauline Heilman, York, Pennsylvania, York Inter-State Fair Grounds, July 16 and 17, 1982, lot 519. H 5".

Form, Maker, Color, and Condition. Very Rare and Fine Manganese-Decorated Redware Figure of a Cat, attributed to John Bell, Waynesboro, PA, circa 1840-1860.

This elusive Bell figural form was produced by the Bell family in both Waynesboro, Pennsylvania and Strasburg, Virginia. This example is the finest colored and conditioned among the three John Bell cats that we have ever offered, the other two having a darker glaze and significant restoration. In his book, The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, Dr. H.E. Comstock comments on their rarity, noting "[m]olded cats were occasionally produced in the Waynesboro shop, but few have survived" (Comstock, p. 157). Literature: Illustrated in Comstock, The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, p. 157, fig. 4.219; Illustrated in Manger, Pottery from the Shenandoah and Cumberland Valleys, p. 39. Provenance: Dr. George and Connie Manger Collection. H 5".

Extremely Rare Glazed Redware Lidded Coffeepot with Elaborate Manganese Decoration, Stamped "JOHN BELL / WAYNESBORO'," PA origin, circa 1850-1880. The first Bell family example of this form that we have offered. Literature: Illustrated in Manger, Pottery from the Shenandoah and Cumberland Valleys, p. 42. Provenance: Dr. George and Connie Manger Collection. H (including lid) 9 1/4".

Exceptional Celadon Hunt Scene Pitcher with Incised Details, Stamped "JOHN BELL / WAYNESBORO'," PA origin, circa 1850-1880. This pitcher's outstanding incised treatment and immaculate condition place it among the finest Bell family examples of this form known. Literature: Illustrated in Manger, Pottery from the Shenandoah and Cumberland Valleys, p. 45. Provenance: Dr. George and Connie Manger Collection. H 7 1/4".

Outstanding Manganese-Decorated Redware Flowerpot with Elaborately Coggled Rim, Stamped "JOHN BELL / WAYNESBORO'," PA origin, circa 1850-1880. This flowerpot's large size, ovoid form, and ornamental rim with extensive coggling place it among the better Bell flowerpots that we have offered. Literature: Illustrated in Manger, Pottery from the Shenandoah and Cumberland Valleys, p. 59. Provenance: Dr. George and Connie Manger Collection. H 7 1/4" ; Diam. (at rim) 9".

Form, Maker, and Color. Exceedingly Rare Glazed Redware Nursing Cup, Stamped "JOHN BELL," Waynesboro, PA origin, circa 1840-1880. This elegantly potted form featuring a molded spout and applied, carved cover to the front of the rim, allowing the cup to be used easily without spilling. It is the only example of this form by the Bell family that we are aware of, one which speaks to the incredible diversity and refinement of John Bell's production. Provenance: Illustrated in Ruce and Stoudt, The Shenandoah Pottery. Provenance: Dr. George and Connie Manger Collection. L 6 5/8” ; H 2 5/8”.

Form and Maker. Extremely Rare Manganese-Decorated Redware Handled Shaving Dish, Inscribed "Anthony W. Bacher / 1878," Winchester, VA, 1878. This imaginatively formed vessel is possibly unique in Bacher's production, featuring a pinched oval form with applied perforated circular dish and ribbed handle above. The edge is embellished with unusual impressed asterisk motifs and individually carved scoring and the underside displays Bacher's classic signature with date. Literature: Illustrated in Manger, Pottery from the Shenandoah and Cumberland Valleys, p. 69. Provenance: Dr. George and Connie Manger Collection. L 7 1/2" ; H 4".

Shenandoah Valley Multi-Glazed Redware Pitcher and Bowl Set, attributed to J. Eberly & Co., Strasburg, VA, circa 1890. Literature: Illustrated in Manger, Pottery from the Shenandoah and Cumberland Valleys, p. 85. Provenance: Dr. George and Connie Manger Collection. H (of pitcher) 11 5/8" ; H (of bowl) 6 1/4" ; Diam. (of bowl) 13 5/8".

Rare and Fine Multi-Glazed Redware Jug, attributed to J. Eberly & Co., Strasburg, VA, circa 1890. Literature: Illustrated in Manger, Pottery from the Shenandoah and Cumberland Valleys, p. 93. Provenance: Dr. George and Connie Manger Collection. H 7 3/4".

Scarce Manganese-Decorated Redware Mug, Inscribed "Solomon Miller / June 28, 1888 / 1205," Adams County, PA, 1888. Provenance: Dr. George and Connie Manger Collection. Wear to rim. Two base chips. H 3 1/8".

Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "WILLSON'S & YOUNG. / HARRISBURG PA," circa 1855. One of only a handful of signed Willson's & Young pieces that we have ever offered, this jar is noteworthy for its stylish, vase-like shape. It is the first example of Harrisburg stoneware of this form that we have ever offered. H 13 1/4".

Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "J.W. COWDEN / HARRISBURG .PA," circa 1861. H 12 7/8".

Rare and Fine Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Inscribed "H. Lowndes / maker / Petersburg Va.. .. / A.D. 1841," Henry Lowndes, Petersburg, VA, 1841. Literature: Illustrated and described on p. 445 of Seagrave, The Early Artisan & Mechanics of Petersburg Virginia, 1607-1860: The Building of a Multi-cultural Maritime Community. Provenance: Brunk Auctions, Asheville, NC, September 6, 2008. H 12 1/4".

Exceptional Half-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "B.C. MILBURN / ALEXA," Alexandria, VA origin, circa 1850. H 8 5/8".

Form and Glaze. Exceptional Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Spaniel Bank, New York State origin, circa 1860. Among the finest 19th century American spaniel-form banks that we have ever offered, this example is distinguished by its striking, solid-cobalt surface. Likely made in Geddes, Jordan, or Lyons. H 9".

Exceptional Form. Very Rare Stoneware Spouted Vessel with Elaborate Impressed Drape Decoration, Manhattan, NY origin, possibly Clarkson Crolius, Sr., fourth quarter 18th century.

An outstanding Manhattan work, combining form, decoration, age, and origin. A related, highly important pouring vessel, which bears the inscription "New York Feb. 17 1798 / Flowered by Mr. Clarkson Crolius", bears impressed circular designs around the spout. This ornamentation includes a distinctive triangular cluster of impressed circles around the base of the spout, reminiscent of the triangular formation of drapes at the base of the spout on this pot. Provenance: An old New York State collection; Crocker Farm, Inc., October 17, 2015. H (to top of spout) 7 3/8" ; Diameter (across rim of pot) 4 5/8".

Scarce Stoneware Jug with Impressed Drape-and-Tassel Decoration, Stamped "COMMERAW.S / STONEWARE," Corlears Hook, Manhattan, NY, early 19th century. Unusual graduated composition of Commeraw's decorative stamps. H 13 3/4".

Rare and Fine Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Preserve Jar, Stamped "QUINCES" and "C. CROLIUS / MANUFACTURER / MANHATTAN-WELLS / NEW-YORK.," early 19th century. Provenance: Skinner, Inc., Boston, MA. H 10 3/4".

Important and Extremely Rare Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jar, Stamped Eight Times "C. CROLIUS / STONE WARE / MANUFACTURER / Manhattan-Wells / NEW YORK," early 19th century. The highly unusual stamping on the jar's underside suggests this pot was used as a test piece to determine the effectiveness of Crolius's oval stamp shortly after the latter was made. A significant, recently surfaced example of Crolius stoneware, which offers rare insight into the production process of this family's stoneware. H 14 1/8".

Extremely Rare Open-Handled Stoneware Water Cooler with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "ICE WATER," attributed to William Nichols, Poughkeepsie, NY, circa 1823. This cooler is arguably the finest example of stoneware produced by the short-lived, Athens and Poughkeepsie, NY potter, William Nichols (1798-1823), that we have ever offered. It is distinguished by its stylish, open-handled form, wonderful decoration incorporating early-style "fish scale" embellishments, and rare stamp indicating its purpose. H 15".

Very Rare Early-Period Stoneware Face Jug with Alkaline Glaze and Rock Eyes, attributed to Lanier Meaders, Cleveland, GA, circa late 1960s. The reductive features and rock eyes indicate this jug was made during the formative years of Meaders's foray into face jug production. Early works such as this example are among the rarest and most prized creations of this legendary Southern potter. H 9 1/4".

Exceptional Small-Sized Slip-Decorated Redware "Moon" Jug, Galena, IL origin, second half 19th century. H 5 5/8".

Folk Art Form. Extremely Rare Salt-Glazed Stoneware Pig Flask, Inscribed "J B R," John B. Roberts, Cookeville, TN, late 19th century. This large-sized flask bears the incised initials of John B. Roberts (b. 1863), the son of Cookeville, Tennessee pottery owner, John Roberts, on its underside, and shares a similar aesthetic to the iconic face jugs produced at the Roberts shop. L 9 1/2”.