Outstanding Anna Pottery "Black Hills" Pig Flask with Incised Railroad Map, Signed "By Anna Pottery," Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1880-1885, molded flask in the form of a reclining pig with hole at rear, incised details to face and hooves, and anatomically-correct underside. Surface covered in a chestnut-brown Albany slip glaze and incised with the following inscription, "Quickest. Cheapest, and Only. / Safe and Reliable Route to / California and the Black hills. / By / Anna Pottery." Incised on underside with a railroad running from St. Louis, Missouri to the Black Hills of California, including the following landmarks: St. Louis, St. Louis. Kansas City and Northern Railway, Kansas City, Omaha, Julesburg, Sidney, Cheyenne, and Black hills." Additionally incised "Cal" with a line pointing to the rear of the pig. Original black-and-white cold paint to eyes. A very fine example of the Kirkpatricks' "Black Hills" style pig, featuring crisp penmanship, incised after the pig was dipped in its glaze. Provenance: Ex-Harmer Rooke Galleries, New York, NY, with label on reverse. Excellent, essentially as-made condition. L 6 1/2".
