Summer 2025 Auction Featured Photos

Edgefield Masterwork. Highly Important Large-Sized Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jar, Stamped "G.P. SEIGLER, / TRENTON, S.C.," George P. Seigler Pottery, Shaw's Creek, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1870-1880. This newly-discovered Edgefield face vessel is remarkable for its monumental proportions and addition of a maker's stamp, being one of only a few Edgefield examples bearing a signature known. (One bearing the stamp, "CHANDLER / MAKER," made at the pottery of Thomas Chandler circa 1850 and two bearing the stamp, "MARK.," made at the Baynham Pottery in Trenton, circa 1900, have been documented.)

This jar, standing an astounding 15 1/4" tall and measuring in the range of four gallons, is outsized among Edgefield face vessels only by the iconic 28" tall face jar in the collection of the High Museum. Parallels can be drawn between the construction of both of these oversized face vessels in the modeling of the vessels' rims as well as the figures' noses and individually-applied, pointed teeth.

Adding to the rarity of this example is its jar form. To our knowledge only three total Edgefield face jars are known: the High Museum jar; this jar; and a third, significantly smaller example, illustrated on p. 109 of Cinda K. Baldwin's Great and Noble Jar. The jar offered in this auction is the only example of the three to include a pulled handle on the reverse, designed to aid in carrying the large-sized vessel.

The jar's maker's mark, impressed at the base on the reverse, indicates it was made at the pottery of George P. Seigler, son of John W. Seigler, along Shaw's Creek. According to Baldwin, this mark's Trenton location reflects a change in the post office from Pine House, South Carolina (as seen in John Seigler's earlier stamp) to Trenton, South Carolina, in 1870. The curious addition of this stamp indicates a sense of pride in its manufacture and appears very purposeful considering the fact that, among the two-hundred or so surviving Edgefield face jugs, only three are signed. Could this work perhaps have been a "storefront" advertising piece for Siegler's pottery?

Census research discussed by Corbett Toussaint in her 2021-2022 Journal of Early Southern Decorative Arts article, "Edgefield District Stoneware: The Potter's Legacy," shows that, in 1880, the Siegler establishment was operated primarily by four Black potters: Mark Jones; his son, Brister Jones; Fortune Justice; and Washington Miles. Mark Jones is believed to be the son-in-law of David Drake, listed as living in Drake's household along with Brister, his wife, and other children in the 1870 census. His fingerprint has been indelibly left on the story of Edgefield stoneware with the survival of an iconic jar, inscribed "Dave and / Mark / Lm. March 10 1859," in the collection of The Smithsonian Institution. A second famous alkaline-glazed jar by Brister Jones, bearing the incised inscription,“Brister Jones the maker Sept the 6 1880 It will hold inny thing that you can get in it,” bears the same G.P. Seigler, Trenton, SC maker's mark seen on the face jar in this auction and helps place a date on its manufacture. So, while the vast majority of Edgefield face vessels are attributed to unknown potters of African descent from a number of possible shops, this jar can, within reason, be attributed to one of the four men discussed by Toussaint: Mark Jones, Brister Jones, Washington Miles, or Fortune Justice. As such it is one of only two or so Edgefield face vessels that can be attributed with little doubt to a Black potter. (A face jug bearing the incised name, "JOE RANFORD," in the collection of The Smithsonian Institution, is firmly attributed by Toussaint to Fortune Justice based on its distinctive penmanship.)

A combination of several attributes, including size, maker's mark, quality of modeling, form, and glaze, place this jar among the greatest American ceramic face vessels in existence. This exciting discovery not only broadens our understanding of Edgefield's stoneware legacy, but significantly advances our knowledge of the region's captivating and enigmatic face vessels, and the much-studied role of African-American potters in their creation. Additionally, this jar highlights a guild of newly-freed Black potters working in Reconstruction-Era Edgefield District establishing their own identities as craftspeople. Provenance: Recently discovered in the Northeast. H 15 1/8".

Western Pennsylvania Masterwork. Exceedingly Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Pitcher with Double Applied Eagle Motif, Stamped Twice "WM* PORTER," Pleasantville, Venango County, PA, circa 1830.

Featuring a form related to refined Staffordshire china of the period, this work is elevated by its depiction of spread-winged eagles on opposing sides. While molded eagle motifs can occasionally be found on pieces produced in the Northeastern U.S., Ohio, and, very rarely, by the Lowndes pottery in Petersburg, Virginia, such decorative additions are essentially unknown in Western Pennsylvania stoneware production. Porter stoneware from Pleasantville is regarded as rare in its own right and this example is easily quantifiable as the masterwork of the family's production. Provenance: James Chebalo Collection; Crocker Farm, Inc., October 31, 2009, lot 120. H 12 1/2".

Harrisburg Stoneware Discovery. Exceedingly Rare and Important Small-Sized Stoneware Presentation Pitcher with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Inscribed "John, A, Stahl, / Harrisburg / JMT," James Mantell Thomas at the Cowden and Wilcox Pottery, Harrisburg, PA, circa 1865.

Among the most outstanding examples of Central Pennsylvania to come to auction in years, this pitcher is both highly decorative and highly significant to the history of Harrisburg's stoneware industry. Few hand-inscribed examples of stoneware produced in Pennsylvania's capital city are known. These include a muffineer, a miniature pitcher and mug set, and a jar bearing the signature of Shem Thomas on the underside, all regionally-famous works. The signature, "J.M.T.," on this pitcher indicates it was made by James Mantell Thomas, the son of New-York-trained potter, Shem Thomas, the latter distinguished as one the most instrumental figures in the city's stoneware craft. James Mantell Thomas is named after his father's old partner from Penn Yan, NY, potter James Mantell. The Thomases would later move west to Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, establishing a pottery there that produced stoneware potted and decorated in the Cowden and Wilcox style. The name of the pitcher's owner, John A. Stahl, refers to a successful Harrisburg tobacconist.

From a decorative standpoint, the pitcher is distinguished by its unusually small size and stylish, carved rim, a feature essentially unknown in Cowden stoneware production, one that mimics the form of fancy Rockingham and china pitchers of the period. A truly remarkable work in all respects, one that expounds on the story on Central Pennsylvania's most famous stoneware pottery. H 4 7/8".

Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt House and Flag Decoration, Stamped "A.O. WHITTEMORE / HAVANA, NY," circa 1870. Provenance: James Chebalo Collection; Crocker Farm, Inc., May, 21, 2005, lot 42. H 10 5/8".

Decoration, Maker, and Size. Exceptional Ten-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Profuse Freehand Cobalt Decoration, Stamped Twice "BOUGHNER / GREENSBORO / PA," circa 1865. H 19 1/2".

Phenomenal Flask. Exceedingly Rare and Important Glazed Redware Flask with Two-Color Slip Star Decoration, attributed to the Loy or Albright Families, Alamance County, NC, late 18th century.

This outstanding flask combines high decorative appeal in its bold, regional slip decoration with extreme rarity, being only the second example of this form documented in Alamance County redware production. The other example, matching in form and featuring a dark-brown glaze with three-color slip decoration, is owned by Old Salem Museum and Gardens. H 5 3/4".

Extremely Rare Moravian Redware Mug with Whieldon Glaze, attributed to Rudolph Christ, Bethabara, NC, circa 1786-1789.

This recently-surfaced work is the only intact example of this specific form and style that we have seen. Both the glaze and form, including the distinctive handle construction, are based in the tortoiseshell ware of English potter, Thomas Whieldon (1719-1795). Two fragmented and reassembled mugs of closely-related form, glaze, and handle construction, were excavated at Bethabara Pottery, made during Rudolph Christ's tenure as master potter, circa 1786-1789. One is owned by Old Salem Museum and Gardens, the other by Historic Bethabara Park. An intact cylindrical mug of broader form, slightly different handle, and different patterning to the copper and manganese, attributed to Salem or Bethabara Potteries circa 1780-1830, resides in the collection of Old Salem Museum and Gardens.

A significant discovery in Moravian tableware. The remarkably thin potting and delicacy of this piece may help explain why examples of this form simply did not survive. Provenance: Recently surfaced in the Southeastern U.S. H 3 3/8".

Rare and Fine Moravian Copper-Glazed Redware Fish Bottle, Salem, NC origin, circa 1801-1829. L 6 1/8".

Decoration and Size. Outstanding Miniature Redware Dish with Profuse Two-Color-Slip Tree-of-Life Motif, probably Alamance County, NC origin, circa 1820-1840. Among the most finely-decorated American redware miniatures that we have ever offered. Provenance: Acquired decades ago from Don Walters. Diam. 3 7/8".

Cover Piece. Extremely Rare and Important Five-Quart Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jug with Incised Bird and Floral Motifs, attributed to Chester Webster, Randolph County, NC, mid 19th century. Wonderfully-decorated with turned-head and forward-facing birds on opposing sides, this jug is elevated by its use of cobalt slip decoration, rarely seen in Webster's work. Literature: Illustrated on the cover of Scarborough, North Carolina Decorated Stoneware: The Webster School of Folk Potters, first edition; illustrated in Scarborough, second edition, p. 56, fig. 56. H 11 1/4".

Exceptional Two-Gallon Double-Handled Stoneware Jug with Incised Fish and Double-Bird Motifs, OH origin, second quarter 19th century. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., Summer 2022 auction, lot 26. H 14 1/2".

Rare Sgraffito Redware Plate with Elaborate Tulip Plant Motif, Southeastern PA origin, Dated July the 9 1821. This work survives in good condition for its type with some professional restoration to glaze flakes towards the base totaling roughly 10% of its glazed surface. Diam. 10 7/8".

Decoration and Form. Outstanding Open-Handled Redware Jar with Profuse Sgraffito Floral and Heart Motifs, Southeastern PA origin, late 18th or early 19th century. Featuring lavish sgraffito treatment on the front, reverse, and even the sides, this work is among the most extravagantly-decorated Pennsylvania redware jars known. Enhancing its appeal is the application of splashed copper throughout. Adding to its scarcity is its jar form, significantly rarer than the dishes for which sgraffito ware is most well known. Provenance: A recently-surfaced work, acquired by the consignor from a New Jersey antiques dealer/collector several decades ago. H 7".

Rare and Fine Open-Handled Redware Jar with Three-Color Slip Decoration, Southeastern PA origin, late 18th or early 19th century. H 5 1/8" ; Diam. 7 1/4".

Extremely Rare Slip-Decorated Redware Keg Bank, Stamped "Adam B. Pfaltzgraff / York, PA," second half 19th century. The first example of marked Pfaltzgraff redware that we have ever offered. H 3 1/2".

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

Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Federal Shield and American Flag Decorations, Inscribed " E.P.U." [E. Pluribus Unum], Stamped "WM E WARNER / WEST TROY", New York State origin, circa 1850. Literature: Illustrated on p. 147 of Broderick, Warren F. and William Bouck, Pottery Works: Potteries of New York State's Capital District and Upper Hudson Region, 1995. H 8 1/4".

Scarce and Fine Three-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Elaborate Cobalt Deer Scene, Stamped "POTTERY WORKS / LITTLE W 12ST ST N.Y.," circa 1870. Provenance: James Chebalo Collection. H 9 7/8".

Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Edgefield District, SC origin, probably Thomas J. Davies Pottery, third quarter 19th century. The vessel's underside bears an old pencil notation possibly referring to previous ownership, which appears to read, "1882 / Pri.....(?)." Provenance: H.W. Carroll Furman, Camden, SC; Bill Mishoe Auction, Columbia, SC; Roger Streeter, Columbia, SC; Ivy Auctions, Laurens, SC, December 16, 2014. The jug's earliest recorded owner, H.W. Carroll Furman (1922-2011) was a combat infantry veteran of World War II, who was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. A graduate of The Citadel, Furman was awarded The Order of the Palmetto by South Carolina Governor, Carroll Campbell, and practiced law in Camden after retirement from regular duty. H 5".

Rare Small-Sized Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Pitcher with Iron Slip Decoration, attributed to Thomas Chandler, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1845. H 7 1/4".

Exceedingly Rare and Important Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, attributed to Cheever Meaders, Cleveland, GA, mid 20th century. H 10 1/4".

Outstanding Fifteen-Gallon Four-Handled Stoneware Jar with Alkaline Glaze, Stamped "JCM," Daniel Seagle, Vale, NC, circa 1840. As stated in the research of NC collectors and historians, Tom and Lana Kleeberg, pieces bearing a "JCM" mark were made by Daniel Seagle for John Michal or his father, Johann Conrad Michal, who were members of a prominent Lincoln County, NC family, merchants, and associates of the Seagle family. Daniel Seagle is praised as one of the South's most-skilled 19th century stoneware potters, with an exceptional level of refinement to his ovoid forms, as seen in this example. His masterfully-thrown four-handled jars are among the most iconic pottery pieces known from the state of North Carolina, regarded as the zenith of this potter's production. H 19".

Western Pennsylvania Masterwork. Outstanding and Important Twenty-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Profuse Freehand Cobalt Decoration, Stenciled "EXCELSIOR WORKS / Isaac Hewitt, Jr. / RICES LANDING, PA", circa 1875. Featuring an extremely rare, broad-bodied form with tapered sides, this monumental pot gained notoriety for its use as the frontispiece of Carmen and Marie Guappone's 1992 book, America's Cobalt Decorated Stoneware- Special Edition: Book III A Pictorial Reference Price Guide, in which it received a $100,000 valuation. It is regarded as the finest example of Isaac Hewitt, Jr. stoneware known. While twenty-gallon jars were produced in Western Pennsylvania with some regularity, examples of this stylish form are virtually nonexistent. Literature: Illustrated on the first page and frontispiece of Guappone and Guappone, America's Cobalt Decorated Stoneware- Special Edition: Book III: A Pictorial Reference Guide. H 18 1/2" ; Diam. 20 1/2".

Exceptional Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Man-in-the-Moon Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1865. Among the finest renderings of this iconic Central Pennsylvania motif to come to auction in years, the design on this jug is enhanced by its large size and rare inclusion of a mustache and mouche, a French term for the strip of facial hair grown below the lower lip. H 15 1/2".

Extremely Rare Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Presentation Pitcher and Mug Set, Inscribed "F. Eggart," attributed to Richard C. Remmey, Philadelphia, PA, circa 1885. Few presentation sets of any kind by Remmey are known. This pairing of forms allowed the owner to pour beer or other liquid from his pitcher into his own personalized mug. H (of pitcher) 11 1/2" ; H (of mug) 4 5/8".

Glaze and Form. Rare and Fine Oval Redware Loaf Dish with Extravagant Three-Color Slip Decoration, Norwalk, CT origin, late 18th or early 19th century. L 14 1/2".

Albany Artistry. Outstanding Lidded Stoneware Cake Crock or Soup Tureen with Molded and Brushed-Cobalt Decoration, Inscribed by the Potter, "Robert H. Williams" and Stamped "M TYLER / ALBANY," NY State origin, circa 1840. The most-ambitiously-decorated American stoneware cake crock that we have ever offered, this work combines a variety of decorative techniques with a desirable Albany maker and incised potter's signature to produce a tour de force of New York State stoneware. Of particular note are the vessel's ornamental handles and lid finial, molded from glass drawer pulls of the period. Despite its cake crock form, an original vent hole, pierced beside the finial to release steam, suggests this vessel may have held a heated liquid food item and possibly served as a soup tureen. H (including lid) 8 1/2" ; Diam. (of lid) 12".

Outstanding Stoneware Pitcher with Profuse Cobalt Stripe Decoration, Craven Family, Randolph or Moore Counties, NC, second half 19th century. Among the most heavily-decorated examples of American stoneware known, this work is made all-the-more significant by its manufacture in the North Carolina tradition, in which cobalt was sparingly used. The basis for its Craven/North Carolina attribution include a number of characteristics, including its color, salt application, glazed underside, cobalt banding (documented on pieces by Jacob Dorris Craven, Thomas Wesley Craven, and John Anderson Craven), and elongated, pointed handle terminal (also documented in the Cravens' work). Literature: Illustrated in The Mentor Magazine, April 1928; Illustrated in Scarborough, The Webster School of Folk Potters, p. 36, fig. 38. H 7 1/2".

Extremely Rare and Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Sugar Bowl, Dated 1853, attributed to the Craven Family, Randolph or Moore County, NC, 1853. This example is one of a few 19th century salt-glazed stoneware sugar bowls known from the entire state. Its distinctive vertical-handled, three-footed form is related to an incised sugar bowl made by Chester Webster in Randolph County, NC, circa 1850, illustrated in Quincy and Samuel Scarborough's North Carolina Decorated Stoneware: The Webster School of Folk Potters, p. 61. Relationships between Webster and Craven family vessel forms are noted in Scarborough, indicating the two families influenced each other's work. H (including lid) 4 1/2".

Exceptional Large-Sized Lidded Stoneware Preserve Jar with Profuse Cobalt Floral Decoration, Inscribed "Peach," attributed to Coffman Family, Rockingham County, VA, mid 19th century. The reverse of this jar features one of the most elaborate designs known on this prized Shenandoah Valley form. Provenance: Recently-discovered in Central Virginia. H 7" ; Diam. (across midsection) 8".

Anna Icon. Exceptional Anna Pottery Salt-Glazed Stoneware Temperance Jug with Elaborate Applied Snake Decoration, attributed to Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1877. The overall style of this jug, including its glaze treatment and extraordinary number of snakes presented as its only subject matter, connect it to a few highly-regarded jugs inscribed "8 to 7," which served as political commentaries regarding a vote held on the contested U.S. Presidential Election of 1876. One such "8 to 7" jug, closely related to this work, set a world auction record at the time for Anna Pottery when it was sold for $141,600 in Crocker Farm's November 3, 2018 auction, lot 66. Provenance: Recently surfaced in PA, this jug is believed to have been acquired by the consignor's grandparents, who collected art during the early 20th century. H 9 1/4".

Very Fine Anna Pottery Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Snake Jug with Red Eyes, Inscribed "Little Brown Jug / By / Anna Pottery / 1884, Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, 1884. H 5 7/8".

Anna Pottery Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware Frog Mug, Inscribed "Cairo is my home," Signed "anna / ill / 1889," Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, 1889. Provenance: Acquired by the consignor directly from a member of the Kirkpatrick family in the 1970s. H 2 5/8".

Patriotic Pot. Outstanding Ten-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Freehand and Stenciled Cobalt Eagle and Star Decorations, Stenciled "Hamilton & Jones / Greensboro / Greene Co. Pa," circa 1870.

This tour-de-force of Western Pennsylvania stoneware combines top-to-bottom stenciled and freehand elements with large size and premiere maker to produce one of the finest regional vessels to come to auction in years. Of particular note are the bold four-inch stars adorning the pot's shoulder. Provenance: Recently surfaced in Virginia, having descended in the family of the consignor. H 19 1/2".

Rare Small-Sized Stoneware Pitcher with Elaborate Cobalt Decoration, attributed to A.P. Donaghho, Parkersburg, WV, circa 1870. H 6 1/2".

Rare Three-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jug with Stenciled Eagle and Rose Motifs, Stenciled "Star Pottery." Hamilton & Jones, Greensboro, PA, circa 1875. This work features highly unusual stenciling that mimics Western Pennsylvania freehand brushwork. H 16".

Very Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "J. SWANK & CO. / JOHNSTOWN," PA origin, circa 1860. This pitcher is among the finest examples of Swank stoneware that we have ever offered. It was made early in the family's foray into stoneware production by brothers, Jacob and Hiram Swank, at a pottery previously owned by the firm Hamilton and Pershing, purchased in 1856 by Josiah Swank (Schaltenbrand, Big Ware Turners, p. 100). This work predates pieces made at the Swanks' more-prolific Kernville site, featuring a different clay body. different maker's mark, and fine decoration in the Hamilton & Pershing style. Provenance: A recently-surfaced work, which descended in the family of the consignor, whose family arrived in the Johnstown area in the mid 19th century. H 11 1/4".

Bennington Beauty. Exceptional Five-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Elaborate Cobalt Deer and House Scene, Stamped "J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT," circa 1855. This work's large size and combination of an array of desirable Norton design elements place it among the best Norton pieces with single deer decoration that we have ever offered. Provenance: James Chebalo Collection. H 13".

Exceptional Four-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Decoration of a Standing Lion, Stamped "WHITES UTICA," New York State origin, circa 1865. The design on this crock, an extremely rare motif for this maker, competes in size and decorative quality with the iconic Norton lions of Bennington, VT. Provenance: Ex-Collection Leigh and Leslie Keno; Crocker Farm, Inc., November 2, 2013, lot 63, October 28, 2017, lot 233. Literature: Illustrated in Keno, Hidden Treasures. H 12 5/8".

Very Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Federal Eagle Decoration, Stamped "WM E WARNER / WEST TROY," NY State origin, mid 19th century. While Warner produced pieces with flying eagle motifs as one of his signature designs, this jug is the first example that we have offered depicting an eagle in classic Federal style with shield, olive branch, and arrows. H 12 1/2".

Very Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Advertising Crock with Cobalt Bird Decoration, Stamped "F A STARING / GROCERIES & PROVISIONS / HORSES & CARRIAGES TO LET / LITTLE FALLS NY," attributed to J. Norton & Co., Bennington, VT, circa 1860. Provenance: William Bouck Collection. H 7 1/8".

Very Rare Two-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jug with Stenciled Rooster Motif, Stamped "J.C. WAELDE / NORTH BAY," NY State origin, circa 1860. H 14".

Very Rare Cold-Painted Redware Figure of a Spaniel, Stamped "JOHN BELL", Waynesboro, PA origin, circa 1840-1880. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., November 3, 2018, lot 240. H 9 3/8".

Exceptional Manganese-Decorated Redware Ale Mug, Stamped "J. BELL," Waynesboro, PA, circa 1840. This work features refined potting typical of Bell's earlier products, complemented by highly unusual cross-hatched manganese decoration. H 7".

Very Fine Manganese-Decorated Redware Butter Tub, Stamped "JOHN BELL / WAYNESBORO'," PA origin, circa 1850-1880. This large-sized example features a desirable yellow ground and immaculate condition. Diam. 9 3/8: " H (to handle) 6 1/4".

Rare and Important Glazed Redware Figure of a Recumbent Dog with Basket, probably John Bell Pottery, Waynesboro, PA, circa 1840-1880. Aspects of the form, glaze, and basket, lead to a likely origin at the shop of renowned Shenandoah Valley regional potter, John Bell. The recumbent form of this dog, in which the animal appears to be feeding from the fruit basket, is rare in the work of this pottery. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., November 3, 2018, lot 238. L 6 3/4" ; H 3 5/8".

Important Pottersville Presentation Vessel. Exceedingly Rare Miniature Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Pitcher, Inscribed "Mag Margaret Jane Reams," attributed to Pottersville Pottery, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1835-1840.

Featuring extraordinary size and unusual form for this pottery, this work was made for a member of the local Reames family, who appear on the same page of the 1840 federal census as proprietors of the Pottersville Stoneware Manufactory, Nathaniel Ramey and Jasper Gibbs. While the penmanship on this pitcher does not appear to be in the hand of David Drake, who worked at Pottersville during the time period, it is possible that the vessel was inscribed by the enslaved craftsman, Harry, a contemporary of Drake at this site. Made without a handle, this miniature could be easily held and poured by gripping it around the shoulder and the presumed thought is that it was given to Mag as a present while still a child. A miniature "U" or "C" stamp appears to be impressed at the base. As few hand-inscribed Pottersville pieces have survived, this work is regarded as a significant new discovery from this key Southern stoneware producer, its appeal enhanced by its rare form and size. Provenance: Recently surfaced in the Southern U.S. H 3".

Maker, Size, and Decoration. Extremely Rare and Fine Salt-Glazed Stoneware Miniature Jug with Elaborate Incised Floral and Star Decoration, attributed to Chester Webster, Randolph County, NC, mid 19th century. The delicacy of the incising and potting of this miniature highlight Webster's skill as both a turner and decorator. Literature: Illustrated in Scarborough, North Carolina Decorated Stoneware: The Webster School of Folk Potters, second edition, pg. 105. Provenance: Descended in the Craven family of potters. H 3 1/8".

Rare Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt and Manganese Slip Decoration, attributed to G.N. Fulton, Alleghany County, VA, circa 1875. H 11 5/8".

Extremely Rare One-and-a-Half-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Pitcher, attributed to Moro Phillips and Sanford Perry, Trees Point Pottery, Charles City County, VA, circa 1849-1853. A cylindrical jar with related decoration and matching capacity mark was featured in the exhibit, "From Kaolin to Claymount: Demystifying James River Valley Stoneware," held at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, Winston-Salem, NC, November 2012 - March 2013. Provenance: From a fifty-year VA collection. H 11".

Extremely Rare Small-Sized Stoneware Hunt Scene Pitcher with Cobalt Decoration, American, possibly New Ulm, MN, second half 19th century. H 4 3/4".

Utica's First Stoneware Potter. Outstanding Three-Gallon Stoneware Presentation Jar with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Inscribed "B. Northrop / Deerfield.," Stamped "J. CAMPBELL / UTICA," NY State origin, circa 1825. This stately jar combines the rare maker's mark of Utica's earliest stoneware potter, Justin Campbell, with a large and elegantly-incised inscription to the owner, farmer Benjamin Northrop of Deerfield, NY, on the reverse. H 13 1/2".

Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Open-Handled Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Watch Spring and Star Motifs, attributed to Abraham Mead, Greenwich, CT, circa 1790. The first example of Mead's work that we have seen incorporating stars into his classic watch spring design. H 13 1/4".

Commeraw Variant. Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware with Impressed Decoration, Stamped "COMMERAW'S / STONEWARE / NEW.YORK," Thomas Commeraw, Corlears Hook, NY, early 19th century. This jug is distinguished as one of only a few known examples of signed Commeraw stoneware ending in the words, "NEW.YORK," as opposed to "N.YORK." H 14 3/4".

Very Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Jar, Inscribed "Stone ware / Factory," Stamped "M. TYLER & CO / ALBANY," NY State origin, circa 1825. The only example of marked Tyler stoneware inscribed in this manner that we have seen. Provenance: William Bouck Collection. H 9 3/4".

Outstanding Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Large Incised Sailing Ship Decoration, probably Middlesex County, NJ origin, circa 1825. H 14 1/2".

Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Stamped "H.F. REINHARDT / VALE, N.C.," second quarter 20th century. Provenance: Recently discovered in the Southern U.S. H 7 1/2".

Alkaline-Glazed Double Face Jug with Rock Teeth, Signed "Lanier Meaders," Cleveland, GA, circa 1975. Lot includes a 1983 National Heritage Fellowships booklet from the Smithsonian Institution featuring Lanier Meaders's awarding of the fellowship. Provenance: From a fifty-year VA collection; Acquired by the consignor's parents at Laws Auction, Manassas, VA, in the 1970s. H 10 1/2".

B.B. Craig Masterwork. Exceptional Early-Period Stoneware Face Jug with Blue Glaze, Stamped Three Times "B.B. CRAIG / VALE, NC," early fourth quarter 20th century. This jug's extraordinary combination of several desirable attributes, including its rare and attractive glaze, weeping eyes, large size, and early-period application of two rows of teeth, distinguish it as one of Craig's finest works known. H 19 1/2".

Exceedingly Rare Painted Stoneware Face Jug, attributed to the Hewell Family, Gillsville, GA, circa 1920. Possibly one of only two face jugs of this style known by the Hewells. Literature: A related face jug is illustrated in Wadsworth, Missing Pieces: Georgia Folk Art (1770-1976), p. 98, fig. 91. H 10 3/4".

Cheap Stone Ware. Extremely Rare and Important Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Inscribed "James Hamilton / Cheap Stone Ware / Greensboro / Green Co PA," circa early 1850s.

Recently surfaced on the West Coast, this soon-to-be-iconic jar is not only highly decorative, but also expands our understanding of Hamilton's early years of stoneware production in Greensboro. Arriving from Beaver, Pennsylvania circa 1850, Hamilton established a stoneware manufactory with his brother, Leet, on Water Street, implementing designs they had used at their old pottery. A uniform, light-gray clay was procured by Hamilton differing markedly from the darker clay used in Beaver, which had required a slip coating. This finer clay allowed the potter to showcase his artistic brushwork to his new clientele in dramatic fashion.

A famous ten-gallon jar from this period has survived bearing the freehand cobalt inscription, "JAMES HAMILTON & CO / GREENSBORO / GREEN CO / PA / 1852," with related floral decoration and other elaborare brushwork. According to Phil Schaltenbrand's Stoneware of Southwestern Pennsylvania, this jar was "likely made to commemorate the start of the great James Hamilton factory established in Greensboro" (Schaltenbrand, p. 20, fig. 15). The jar in this auction, a contemporary of Waynesburg College's ten-gallon masterpiece, is possibly from the same firing or even one slightly earlier. Of interesting note is the lack of "& Co." in the inscription on this jar. Schaltenbrand notes in his Big Ware Turners that "the addition of CO. to James' Greene County products may indicate an early association with Leet but more likely proves James had acquired influential backers" (Schaltenbrand, p. 154). Could this jar, then, be one of the first few jars thrown and decorated by Hamilton in Greensboro, one made before his business arrangements had been fully established?

The most extraordinary detail of this jar is the inscription, "Cheap Stone Ware," the first instance that we have seen this term used on an example of Western Pennsylvania stoneware. While highly appealing in its subject matter, this inscription also speaks to Hamilton's abilities as an enterprising businessman in a new town, marketing his ware as very affordable. Instead of simply advertising his ware as such on paper, Hamilton is using this jar, likely displayed in his or a local merchant's storefront, as both a representative example of his work and the advertisement itself. This method of marketing is reminiscent of the famous Norwalk, Connecticut slipware dishes, reading "Cheap as Mud" and related phrases, as well as the unique Thomas Owenby, South Carolina stoneware jug, which he touted as "Sold at a low price of Confedrent(sic) Money." Combining several desirable traits, including its over-the-top inscription, decoration, size, form, and color, this work is the finest example of early-period Greensboro stoneware that we have ever offered. Provenance: Recently discovered in California. H 10 3/8".

Fine Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Stenciled and Freehand Cobalt Decoration, Stenciled "Hamilton & Jones / Greensboro / Greene Co. Pa", circa 1870. H 10 1/4".

Decoration and Form. Very Rare Glazed Redware Tea Canister with Profuse Manganese Floral Decoration, Inscribed "Tea Canister / Made / September / 22d- 1846 / N.C.," attributed to Ezra White, Mercer, Mercer County, PA, 1846.

A canister with matching glaze and decoration was sold in Crocker Farm's March 23, 2019 auction, lot 174, and bore a partial inscription indicating it was made on the same day as this example. Another closely-related example bearing the same date was sold at Sotheby's, Visual Grace: Important American Folk Art from the Collection of Ralph O. Esmerian, January, 25, 2014, lot 512. A less elaborately-decorated pair, dated 1848, are owned by Colonial Williamsburg and include the potter's signature, "E. White," on their undersides. A salt-glazed stoneware keg with large incised eagle decoration, bearing the stamp "EZER WHITE," was sold in Crocker Farm's Fall 2021 auction, lot 131, indicating this potter was proficient in both redware and stoneware production.

Combining an elusive form with exuberant decoration in the Pennsylvania-German tradition, this lot expands on an elite group of Western Pennsylvania redware masterworks from a highly expressive potter skilled in multiple clay mediums. Provenance: Recently discovered in a California home. Literature: For a related tea canister, see American Radiance: The Ralph Esmerian Gift to the American Folk Art Museum, p. 135, fig. 95A. H 7 7/8".

Size and Color. Fine Small-Sized Redware Plate with Two-Color Slip Decoration, PA origin, 19th century. Provenance: From a fifty-year New England collection. Diam. 4 3/8".

Fine Slip-Decorated Redware Flowerpot, Chester County, PA origin, probably Vickers Family, first quarter 19th century. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example from a fifty-year New England collection. H 6 7/8"; Diam. (at rim) 6".

Rare Glazed Redware Jar with Marbled Slip Decoration, New England origin, first quarter 19th century. Includes later Albany-slip-glazed stoneware lid. H (without lid) 10 1/2".

Philadelphia Masterwork. Extremely Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Beehive Decoration, Inscribed "Industry must Prosper most glorious news for the bee hive," Philadelphia, PA origin, probably Enoch Burnett, circa 1830.

This extraordinary pitcher’s Baltimore-inspired decoration around the collar suggests it was made by Enoch Burnett, a potter previously employed by the Baltimore firm of Parr & Burland. The inscribed slogan references a popular play, "The Bee-Hive," published in New York City in 1811 that was routinely performed up and down the east coast for decades to come. A comedy or "farce" that took place in "a country inn on the coast," it was frequently advertised as "The Bee Hive. Or, Industry Must Prosper," and featured the following line on the first page of Act I: "Well, Joe, this will be a glorious day for the Bee-hive!" While this play ran at least a few times over the years in Philadelphia, one 1829 stint—just two years after Burnett's 1827 arrival in Philadelphia—may have been the inspiration for this pitcher. The combination of the decoration, inscription, form, and large size, place this pitcher among the finest examples of early Philadelphia stoneware to come to auction in years.

Provenance: James Chebalo Collection; Purchased circa 1985 at a Lancaster County, Pennsylvania farm sale by folk art collector, George Scott. After Scott's death in 1991, Christie's sold his collection at Franklin and Marshall College in 1992, his family deciding to keep the pitcher. In 1994, James Chebalo traded a Hattie Brunner painting of a Pennsylvania farm auction depicting Brunner with Scott to the Scott family for this pitcher. H 14 1/2".

Extremely Rare One-and-a-Half-Gallon Stoneware Batter Pail with Cobalt Nesting Bird Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA", circa 1865. H 9".

Fine Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Swan Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA", circa 1865. H 11 5/8".

Fine Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX. / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1865. H 11 1/2".

Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Rabbit Decoration, Stamped "ALBANY NY," probably O'Connell Pottery, Albany, NY, circa 1860. Provenance James Chebalo Collection. H 15".

Fine Two-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Bird-on-Stump Decoration, Stamped "ALBANY NY," possibly O'Connell Pottery, circa 1860. Provenance: William Bouck Collection. H 9 7/8".

Scarce One-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Pheasant-on-Stump Decoration, Stamped "J. & E. NORTON, / BENNINGTON VT.," circa 1855. H 11 7/8".

Fine Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Double Bird Decoration, Stamped "J. NORTON & CO / BENNINGTON VT:," circa 1860. H 13 1/2".

Fine One-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Elaborate Cobalt Bird on Branch Motif, Stamped "W.H. FARRAR & Co. / GEDDES,N.Y.," circa 1860. Provenance: James Chebalo Collection. H 11 1/2".

Three-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug, Stamped "M," attributed to Robert Mathis, Pottersville, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1836-1838. H 15".

Extremely Rare Deed Conveying Pottersville Stoneware Manufactory Land from Abner Landrum to Jasper Gibbs, Dated 1840. This document, featuring signatures by Abner Landrum and Jasper Gibbs, discusses land sold by Landrum to Gibbs for twenty dollars, including the "J.W. Gibbs & Co. stone ware manufacturing lott(sic)." A significant piece of ephemera pertaining to one of America's most important potteries, a site distinguished as producing the first alkaline-glazed stoneware in America and the location where David Drake learned to pot. Dimensions: 12 3/4" x 7 3/4".

Rare Two-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug, Dated 1873, attributed to the Jesse P. Bodie Pottery, Kirksey's Crossroads, Edgefield District, SC, 1873. H 14".

Extremely Rare Salt-Glazed Stoneware Ring Jug with Incised Decoration, attributed to Chester Webster, Randolph County, NC, mid 19th century. L 9 1/2".

Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Bird Decoration, Baltimore, MD origin, circa 1815-1820. Underside incised with a drawing of an urn. H 15".

Outstanding Small-Sized Stoneware Jug with Elaborate Applied and Two-Color Slip Decoration, OH origin, late 19th or early 20th century. H 6 1/8".

Exceptional Anna Pottery Stoneware Lid with Incised Decoration, Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1880.Provenance: Acquired by the consignor directly from a member of the Kirkpatrick family in the 1970s. Diam. 6 1/4" ; H 3 1/4".

Very Rare Miniature Anna Pottery Salt-Glazed Stoneware Log Cabin, attributed to Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1888. Provenance: Acquired by the consignor directly from a member of the Kirkpatrick family in the 1970s. L 2 1/2" ; W 1 3/4" ; H 2 1/4".

Fine and Rare Early-Period Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Signed "Lanier Meaders," Cleveland, GA, circa late 1960s. Among the better Lanier Meaders face jugs that we have offered, this work is distinguished by its ball-shaped eyes, glaze, and reductive features lacking teeth, all indicative of this potter's earlier work. Provenance: Purchased by the consignor from Lanier Meaders at his pottery in the late 1960s. H 9".