Very Rare Small-Sized Stoneware Temperance Jug, Stamped "MR. Wm-E.BUSAN / PRiVATE.," Boonville, MO origin, circa 1885, stylishly-potted jug with bulbous body, tall, narrow neck, and rounded spout, decorated with a hand-modeled and applied clay snake forming the vessel's handle and extending around to the front of the jug. Surface covered in a dark-brown Albany slip glaze. Snake includes impressed triangular and diamond-shaped scaling, circular eyes, and a highly unusual protruding tongue. Front impressed with the arched stamped, "MR. Wm-E.BUSAN / PRiVATE," with the word, "PRIVATE," likely referring to the fact that the jug held Busan's private stock of liquor. William E. Busan (1872-1955) was born in Boonville but moved on by about the mid-1890's, suggesting this was made for him at that prolific pottery production center when he was a young man. Few temperance jugs are known with an inscription to the owner. This example's use of a stamp for the inscription is extremely rare, perhaps significant of the importance of this work to the owner or maker. Excellent condition with a loss to tine of forked tongue, probably in-the-making, and a minor chip to top of spout. H 6".
