Exceedingly Rare and Important Stoneware Presentation Communal Pipe with Lid, Signed in Ink, "George W. Haig / 1.8.8.5.", wheel-thrown pipe bowl with footed base and two applied stems, decorated on each side with a two-stemmed tulip motif. Inscribed above each spout with the recipient's initials, "HT", below a brushed swag motif. Cobalt highlights surround the bases and rims of the two applied stems. The original lid is decorated with cobalt spots and banding. The pipe's interior and underside of the lid are covered in a chocolate-brown Albany slip glaze. The underside of the pipe is inscribed in ink, "George W. Haig / 1.8.8.5.". A previously-undocumented stoneware potter, George W. Haig (born circa 1844) was the son of the well-known Philadelphia potter, Thomas Haig, Jr. The ink inscription on the bottom is probably original to the pipe, which was likely made for a local fraternal organization in the vein of the Tammany Society or Improved Order of Redmen, which drew from Native American culture. An extremely rare stoneware form and a wonderful small size, notable as well is the presence of the original, decorated lid, taking this example over the top as one of the finer examples of Philadelphia stoneware that we have handled. Provenance: Christie's, Pennsylvania German Folk Art and Decorative Arts from the Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Flack, September 6, 1997, Holicong, PA, lot #145. Pipe in excellent, essentially as-made condition. Lid in excellent condition with a tiny edge chip and minuscule edge nick. H (including lid) 2 1/2" ; L (of pipe) 3 1/2".
