Exceedingly Rare One-and-a-Half-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped Twice "G. & A. Black," Somerfield, PA origin, circa 1860, highly-ovoid pitcher with tall collar, the front decorated with a finely-brushed flowering vine bearing three large tulip blossoms. Collar decorated with cobalt dashes and spout flanked by cobalt swags. Impressed on shoulder above and below a one-and-a-half-gallon capacity mark, "G. & A. Black.". The impressed maker's mark of brothers, George and Albert Black, of Somerfield, PA is considered extremely rare on any stoneware form. This newly-discovered example is one of less than five signed pitchers known by this potting firm, and features an excellent, squat-shaped form with strong decoration. One of the finest examples of Somerset County, PA stoneware to surface in many years. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, recently discovered in Pennsylvania. Professional restoration to spout and area of rim to left of spout, along with a 3" restored crack or hairline descending from restoration on rim. Otherwise excellent condition with three minor base nicks. H 11".
