Scarce J. SWANK & CO. / JOHNSTOWN, PA Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar w/ Cobalt Floral Decoration

Spring 2022 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 169

Price Realized: $1,680.00

($1,400 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 2 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

Spring 2022 Auction Catalog

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Scarce Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "SWANK & CO. / JOHNSTOWN / +PA+," circa 1870, semi-ovoid jar with flattened rim and applied lug handles, decorated on the front and reverse with a scrolled, leafy stem bearing two flower blossoms. Handle terminals decorated with stylized flower blossoms. Four stripes of cobalt below one handle. Three stripes of cobalt below opposite handle. This jar features a lesser-seen, three-line Swank family maker's mark, which includes crosses flanking the abbreviation, "PA." Exhibited: What a Crock!, Johnstown Potteries of the 19th Century, The Johnstown Area Heritage Association 2006; included in exhibit catalog. Provenance: Estate of author and historian, Nancy Shedd, Petersburg, PA. Jar is somewhat out-of-round. Chips to interior of rim. Two handle chips. Some fry to cobalt. A 1 5/8" flake to edge of handle. A 2 1/2" surface line to interior of rim, not visible on exterior. An approximately 3/4" surface line to exterior of rim. A 3/4" in-the-firing ping at base. H 12 1/4".