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: Pauline Heilman Collection; 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; Dr. George and Connie Manger Collection. 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. Literature: Illustrated in Rice 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”.

Immaculate Condition. Exceptional Sgraffito-Decorated Redware Plate with Flowering Urn Motif, attributed to the Conrad Mumbauer Pottery, Haycock Township, Bucks County, PA, circa 1820s-1830s.

Based on its distinctive decoration, this recently-surfaced work is firmly attributed to the pottery of Conrad Mumbauer (1761-1845) and his apprentice-turned-master, John Monday (1809-1862), which they successively operated in Haycock Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania between 1794-1862. A closely-related dish owned by Winterthur Museum and Gardens in Wilmington, Delaware is dated 1832. According to Christopher Malone's 2025 Americana Insights article, "The Potters of Haycock Mountain: Conrad Mumbauer, John Monday, and Simon Signer," the Winterthur example is "the last known dated dish attributed to the pottery" (Malone, p. 141). Its close similarity to the plate in this auction helps us date the latter, within reason, to the 1820s or 1830s.

Sgraffito-decorated redware is among the most prized fields in the American ceramics market, transcendent into the broader realm of high-end American Folk Art. When available, most examples are offered with significant damage or restoration. Our Fall auction offers the rare opportunity to acquire an example of sgraffito-decorated redware of both exceptional decorative quality and condition, surviving in nearly the same condition in which it was made. Amazingly, the plate appears essentially unused, retaining a bright interior, lacking knife marks, staining, flakes, or the usual wear of any kind. The only damage to speak of is some minor rim chips. Literature: For related examples, see Malone, "The Potters of Haycock Mountain: Conrad Mumbauer, John Monday, and Simon Singer," Americana Insights 2025, pp.126-141, closely related example on p. 141. Provenance: Richard Bourne Auctions, Hyannis, MA, 1982; The Estate of Robert A. Ellison, Jr. Diam. 11 1/2".

A Rare Bird. Exceptional Sgraffito-Decorated Redware Plate with Elaborate Bird and Floral Motif, attributed to the Conrad Mumbauer Pottery, Haycock Township, Bucks County, PA, Dated 1818.

The style of the design leads to a firm attribution to the pottery of Bucks County, PA potter, Conrad Mumbauer (1761-1845). Christopher Malone in his 2025 Americana Insights article, "The Potters of Haycock Mountain: Conrad Mumbauer, John Monday, and Simon Singer," illustrates a related bird-decorated dish, noting "[T]he Mumbauer pottery produced few known pieces featuring birds, but one dish employs what may be a ring-necked pheasant as its central design" (Malone, p. 132). Indeed, among the ten Mumbauer/Monday pieces at The Philadelphia Museum of Art, the seven at Winterthur Museum and Gardens, and the one example at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, none depict birds. The bird depicted on the plate in this auction relates in its form and ringed-neck to the example illustrated in Malone, while displaying a more fully developed wing and feathering. The reverse side of the dish includes the unusual incised date, "1818," as well as a penciled notation, possibly contemporary with its manufacture, reading, "Sun(?) / Ra(?) / 1818." Among known pieces from this pottery, it can be difficult to determine which were made by Mumbauer and which were made by his apprentice-turned-successor, John Monday (1809-1862). However the relatively early date on this example precludes Monday from making it, as he would have only been nine years old at the time.

Our Fall auction offers the opportunity to acquire an exceptionally rare, figural-decorated work from one of Pennsylvania's leading producers of sgraffito-decorated redware, surviving in strong condition for its type. While the majority of surviving sgraffito-decorated redware dishes reveal significant damage to the decoration, including heavy flaking (or even broken sections) to the interior, this example's design remains bright and nearly untouched with only two small flakes and other very minor wear. Literature: For more information on this pottery, see Malone, "The Potters of Haycock Mountain: Conrad Mumbauer, John Monday, and Simon Singer," pp. 126-141, related example illustrated on p. 132, fig. 13. Provenance: Sotheby's Parke Bernet Galleries, New York, NY; The Stradlings; The Estate of Robert A. Ellison, Jr. Several large to minor rim chips. Interior with two small flakes and very minor wear. Diam. 11 5/8".

Commeraw Discovery. Exceedingly Rare and Important Small-Sized Stoneware Jar with Freehand Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "COMMERAW'S STONEWARE / CORLEARS HOOK," Manhattan, NY origin, early 19th century.

This remarkable recent discovery is highly significant in its decoration as well as its size. At just 7 1/4" tall, it is possibly the smallest marked Commeraw vessel known. The visual appeal of the object is magnified by the imposing size of the maker's marks against the petite proportions of the jar, with the "COMMERAW'S" and "CORLEARS" stamps spanning the majority of the pot's width.

More importantly, this jar changes the story of Commeraw's stoneware and the potter's known decorative techniques. Prior to the emergence of this jar, Commeraw was known to have employed three decorative styles on his vessels. The first, found on his earliest work, is hand-incising, typically expressed through floral motifs, likely learned during Commeraw's formative years as a potter with the Crolius family. The second is compass incising, found on a relatively small group of jars, a technique in which a compass tool is impressed into the clay, forming semi-circular drapes at the shoulder. The third, Commeraw's most typical style, is impressed decoration, in which individually stamped drape and tassel motifs adorn the vessel in a variety of configurations. This newly discovered fourth method, freehand cobalt decoration applied with a brush or slip cup, adds an entirely new dimension to attributions of pieces made at Commeraw's shop, and suggests there may be a larger body of unmarked pieces made at his pottery than previously known.

The quatrefoil floral motif used on the jar, unsurprisingly, closely relates to one that has been associated with the Crolius family. As an example, a small stoneware jug, bearing the mark, "C. CROLIUS / MANUFACTURER / MANHATTAN-WELLS / NEW-YORK," offered as lot 2 in Crocker Farm, Inc.'s March 8, 2008 auction, bears a variant of this design. An unmarked miniature Manhattan jug, dating to the third quarter of the 18th century and offered in Crocker Farm, Inc.'s July 22, 2017 auction, lot 65, reveals that this design had been used for decades in the city contemporaneous with the well-known "watch spring" motifs. (Commeraw's interest in antecedent decorative methods is further evidenced by his use of vertical handle attachments on his jars, using this style later than any other Manhattan potter.)

As the only known example of marked Commeraw stoneware bearing freehand cobalt decoration, and one of a possibly unique size, this jar represents the most significant discovery in this potter's production of the last several years, one which broadens the horizons of an already-incredible story in American ceramic history. Provenance: While discovered by the consignor in Baltimore ten years ago, this jar was placed on a shelf for a decade, its identity realized only weeks ago. (Commeraw died in this city in 1823 after traveling aboard the ship Elizabeth to establish an African-American colony in Africa in 1820.) H 7 1/4”.

Boston Bird. Very Rare and Fine Stoneware Jar with Impressed and Freehand-Cobalt Bird-in-Tree Decoration, Stamped "BOSTON," Jonathan Fenton, Boston, MA, late 18th century. Among the more outstanding Fenton pieces that we have ever offered, this work combines this maker's exceptionally rare bird-and-grapes motif with even more unusual freehand decoration completing the design. Provenance: The Estate of Robert A. Ellison, Jr. H 12 3/4".

Exceptional Small-Sized Stoneware Jar with Profuse Impressed Decoration, Stamped "WARNE & LETTs 1807," South Amboy, NJ origin, 1807. Typical vessels by this firm are decorated with only one or two drape motifs, while this example features at least thirteen impressions of this design. A particularly fine example of early New Jersey stoneware and likely the most extravagantly decorated example of Warne & Letts stoneware known. Provenance: The Estate of Robert A. Ellison, Jr. 7 1/2".

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. 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. H 7 3/4".

Very Rare Three-Gallon Open-Handled Stoneware Jar with Impressed Decoration, Stamped "DAVID MORGAN / NEW-YORK," early 19th century, ovoid jar with footed base, tooled shoulder, and open loop handles, decorated on the front and back with an impressed and cobalt-highlighted drape-and-heart design in a graduated pattern. Cobalt accents to maker's mark. Brushed cobalt highlights to handle terminals. One of a small number of signed examples of David Morgan stoneware known.

Vessel of Extraordinary Size. Exceedingly Rare and Important Oversized Open-Handled Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Tulip Decoration, Parr Family, Baltimore, MD, circa 1830-1840.

Measuring between thirty and thirty-five gallons, it can be distinguished as one of the largest 19th century American cobalt-decorated stoneware vessels known. A raised throw line on the interior indicates it was thrown in at least two sections and joined. The overall style of the jar, including its squared rim and color, indicate it was likely produced slightly later than the tenure of David Parr (1786-1832) at his pottery on Baltimore's Eden and Dulaney Streets. The jar may be attributed to this shop while under the ownership and operation of his wife, Margaret Parr, in the years following his death. The grand size, presence, and robust potting of this vessel, reminiscent of the iconic David Drake jars of Edgefield, South Carolina, place it among the most significant examples of Mid-Atlantic or Southern cobalt-decorated stoneware to come to auction in recent years. Provenance: Found decades ago buried on the property of a greenhouse in Philadelphia; Crocker Farm, Inc., October 30, 2004, lot 94. H 28".

Exceedingly Rare and Important Copper-Decorated Redware Bowl, Bristol County, MA origin, late 18th century. Provenance: The Estate of Robert A. Ellison, Jr. Diam. 11 1/4" ; H 4 1/2".

Fine Small-Sized Redware Loaf Dish with Profuse Two-Color Slip Decoration, PA origin, early 19th century.This example is distinguished by its abundant decoration, oval form, and small size, being one of the smallest American redware loaf dishes that we have ever offered. A dish with related decoration, produced from the same mold, resides in the collection of The Metropolitan Musuem of Art, New York, NY, a gift of noted collector, Mrs. Robert W. de Forest in 1933. L 10 7/8".

Form, Glaze, Maker, and Condition. Rare and Important Shenandoah Valley Multi-Glazed Redware Vase, Stamped Twice "BAECHER / WINCHESTER, VA.,” circa 1885. Excellent in all respects, this lot is among Anthony Bacher's finest works to come to auction in years. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., October 17, 2015, lot 19. H 9".

Extremely Rare Glazed Redware Hunt Scene Match Safe, Stamped "D.M. BAKER'S POTTERY" and Inscribed "Joseph Weaber / Maker / 1877," Waynesboro, PA, 1877. Arguably the finest example of marked D.M. Baker redware known, this work's decorative figural form contrasts markedly with the unglazed jars commonly associated with this stamp. L 6 1/4" ; W 2 7/8" ; H 3".

Southern Advertising. Very Rare Three-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug with Two-Color Slip Decoration and Columbia, SC Advertising, attributed to the Collin Rhodes Pottery, Shaw's Creek, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1850.

German-born, Herman C. Frank (1822-1865) established his grocery / merchant shop in Columbia by 1850. The 1859 Columbia city directory (the earliest existing Columbia directory of which we are aware) lists him as a grocer whose establishment was located at 232 Richardson Street. The 1860 federal census shows Franck to have been prosperous, his personal estate valued at $12,000. Upon his death in 1865, Franck was honored by the City Fire Department as "one of [Columbia's] most esteemed and honorable citizens." Relatively few examples of Rhodes advertising stoneware are known, this being the first example that we have offered among the hundreds of Edgefield pieces sold through our auction house. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor's mother in the 1960s. H 15 1/2".

Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug with Glazed Kaolin Eyes and Teeth, Miles Mill Pottery, Edgefield District, South Carolina origin, circa 187o. Literature: An example by the same hand or school of craftsmanship is pictured on p. 80 of Baldwin's Great and Noble Jar and resides in the collection of the Charleston Museum, Charleston, SC. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., October 22, 2016, lot 443. H 6".

Extremely Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar with Incised Inscription, possibly reading, “The Last / Sermon’s Warning,” attributed to David Drake, Lewis Miles's Stony Bluff Manufactory, Horse Creek Valley, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1850.

Few examples of Drake's work have survived with hand-incised inscriptions outside of pieces that bear dates, his signature, or the name of his enslaver, Lewis Miles. This jar is an excellent example of coil-building, a technique used in the production of Edgefield stoneware that was recently brought to light by Robert Hunter, evident in the fingermarks and crude shaping on the interior base of the vessel. This method of manufacture was demonstrated by potter, Michelle Erickson, in her presentation "RE-coiling and Master Potter David Drake," at the 2026 Ceramics Symposium, "Clay Stories," held at Colonial Williamsburg from June 4-6, 2026. Exhibited: Georgia Museum of Art, 2010-2021. Provenance: Charlton Hall Galleries, Inc., Cayce, SC, June 5-6 2010; Carl and Marian Mullis Collection; Brunk Auctions, Asheville, NC, July 10, 2021, lot 827. H 15".

Form, Decoration, Maker, and Condition. Outstanding Four-Handled Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar with Iron Slip Foliate Decoration, attributed to Thomas Chandler, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1845.

Measuring roughly eight gallons in capacity, this jar is elevated by its rare four-handled construction, a treatment typically found on vessels somewhat larger than this example. According to Philip Wingard in his Ceramics in America 2013 article, "From Baltimore to the South Carolina Backcountry: Thomas Chandler's Influence on 19th-Century Stoneware," the decoration around its shoulder is associated with earlier-period pieces produced by Chandler in Edgefield, prior to working with Reverend John Trapp and prior to the use of his iconic "CHANDLER MAKER" stamp. A closely-related jar illustrated in fig. 30 of this article is dated to 1845. Variants of these motifs can be even traced to slip-trailed cobalt designs produced in 1820s Baltimore, Maryland, where Chandler learned the trade. A significant recent discovery of this famous Southern potter's work, distinguished by its wonderful form, strong decoration, and exemplary condition. Literature: For more information on Chandler and his production, see Wingard, "From Baltimore to the South Carolina Back Country: Thomas Chandler's Influence on 19th-Century Stoneware," Ceramics in America 2013. Provenance: Recently surfaced in the Mid-Atlantic U.S. H 15" ; Diam. (at rim) 11 5/8".

Two-Color Slip. Extremely Rare Seven-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Two-Color Slip Decoration, Stamped "CHANDLER MAKER," Thomas Chandler, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1845-1850.

The two-color slip decoration on this jar is more commonly found on earlier works by Chandler, made during his tenure at Phoenix Factory on Shaw's Creek and rarely seen by the time he began impressing ware with a "CHANDLER MAKER" stamp. (Typically, pieces bearing a "CHANDLER MAKER" stamp are found bearing either kaolin or iron slip decoration, but not both.) This jar may be among the earliest pieces made by Chandler after the inception of his iconic maker's mark. Literature: Illustrated in Burrison, Brothers in Clay, Color Plate 2. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., March 21, 2020, lot 14. H 18 1/2".

Extremely Rare and Important One-Gallon with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "S HOLMES, / Georgetown / D.C.," circa 1820.

This jar is one of only three pieces that we are aware of bearing a Holmes maker's mark, all recently discovered works that have helped reestablish this potter's legacy. The first known signed example came to light just three years ago, a pitcher sold in our Summer 2023 auction, lot 38. The second, a closely related four-gallon jar, sold in our Summer 2024 auction, lot 379. Holmes's pottery is referenced in two period sources: An advertisement placed by Holmes in April 1820 issues of the Georgetown National Messenger announced that he had found "a dark bay HORSE, about fourteen hands high and blind in one eye" at his "Stone-Ware Manufactory," located "at the upper end of High-street" (now Wisconsin Avenue). The 1820 Census of Manufactures (a special census schedule documenting manufacturing operations) also lists Holmes' shop, noting that 3 hands were at work there producing $2000 worth of pottery annually. There, he produced stoneware in a distinct Baltimore style highly reminiscent of the work of Baltimore potter Elisha Parr. This stands to reason, as Holmes had been bound as an apprentice to Baltimore earthenware potter William Moody in 1800, later appearing in an 1810 Baltimore city directory as a potter working among the local earthenware (and nascent stoneware) shops. As Holmes' involvement in the Baltimore stoneware craft dates to this extraordinarily early period, he may have served as one of the formative figures in transitioning locally made ware into a more attractive, cobalt-decorated art form.

To date, Holmes is the only documented Georgetown potter to sign his ware, as well as the earliest potter working in Washington's present-day District of Columbia, making this vessel a significant regional discovery. H 9 3/4".

Exceedingly Rare One-Gallon Ovoid Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Decoration, Stamped "J. MILLER / ALEX," James Miller, Alexandria, VA, circa 1824-26. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., March 5, 2011, lot 7. H 9”.

Scarce and Fine Half-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Slip-Trailed Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "B.C. MILBURN / ALEXA," Alexandria, VA origin, circa 1850. H 8 3/8".

Exceptional Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Bird Decoration, Stamped "WM-E. WARNER. / WEST-TROY.," NY State origin, mid 19th century. H 14”.

Fine Four-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Bird-on-Branch Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRSIBURG .PA," circa 1865. Provenance: Recently surfaced in the Midwestern U.S. 17 1/2".

Scarce Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Bird-in-Wreath Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG .PA," circa 1865. H 13 1/2".

Exceptional Miniature Stoneware Pitcher with Coggled Bird Decoration and Lightly-Incised Germanic Tulip Design, Incised on Underside "J.F.," attributed to the Branch Green Pottery, Philadelphia, PA, first quarter 19th century. H 5 1/4".

Extremely Rare Glazed Redware Pig Flask with Incised Railroad Map, attributed to Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna or Mound City, IL, circa 1857-1875.

This flask is only the second Anna redware example of the form that we have ever offered, and the more elaborately inscribed of the two. A study of the penmanship confirms its origin as a Kirkpatrick piece, and not the work of another pottery in the family's style. The relative simplicity of the map, as well as the atypical shape of the ears, impressed eyes, and genitals, suggest it may be an earlier example, made before the Kirkpatricks were producing this form with any frequency. It is possible that it was made at the Kirkpatricks' Mound City, IL pottery, circa 1857-1859, where redware (earthenware) was commonly produced, shortly before the establishment of their long-standing Anna Pottery. Relatively few Midwestern redware objects of this quality are known, this example being made by one of the region's most esteemed 19th century ceramic manufacturers. Provenance: A recently surfaced example, which descended in the family of the consignor. L 7 1/4".

Anna Pottery Stoneware Snake Jug, Inscribed "Little Brown Jug / 1880," Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, 1880. H 4 5/8".

Rare Anna Pottery Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Aquarium Castle, attributed to Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1880. H 6 1/2".

Extremely Rare Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Pitcher, Hilton Pottery, Marion, NC, circa 1935. The 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." Provenance: The Estate of Robert A. Ellison. H 9 1/4".