Exceptional Five-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Game Bird on Stump Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG . PA," circa 1865, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a brushed design of a game bird standing on a tree stump. Decoration includes rarely-seen heavy spotting and a ringed neck to the bird. Horizontal striping the stump and wide, diagonal dashes to base of stump. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark, capacity mark, and handle terminals. Excellent decoration, vessel size, and color. The import of this piece is enhanced by its illustration in Jeanette Lasansky's iconic book, Made of Mud: Stoneware Potteries in Central Pennsylvania, 1834-1929, the first resource written on the subject. Literature: Illustrated in Lasansky, Made of Mud, p. 51. Provenance: From a recently-surfaced Pennsylvania collection, purchased by the consignor between 1963 and 1975. A 1 3/4" rim chip on reverse. A shallow 1 1/8" chip on interior of rim. Three in-the-firing discolored areas at base. A stained area to right side of crock's front. Minor base wear. H 11 1/2" ; Diam. 13 1/4".
