The Lifetime Collection of Carole Carpenter Wahler: Part 2

American Ceramic Folk Art. Extremely Rare and Important Salt-Glazed and Painted Stoneware Presentation Face Harvest Jug, Inscribed "J.W. Berry" and "Made By Wm. Decker / July 9th 1892," William Decker at the Decker Pottery, Washington County, TN, 1892.

This imaginative face vessel draws from the influence of the Remmey family on Decker's father, Charles Decker, Sr. (1832-1914), while active in Philadelphia during the 1850s through 1871. One of only a small group of face vessels known from this family, this work features prolific extruded clay "coleslaw" and the rare addition of a hat from which a bail handle was once attached. Its maker, William "Uncle Billy" Decker (1859-1909) is pictured in the well-known Decker pottery photograph from 1904, and suffered from a fall from his high chair during infancy. Despite this injury, he managed to become an accomplished potter, horticulturist, cobbler, businessman, and part-time doctor and veterinarian. Decker is known for having signed and dated more pieces than his father or older brother, Charles, Jr. evidently taking pride in his work, and for having produced some of the more unusual forms at the family shop. Literature: A related head-form stoneware gatepost ornament, signed "Made by W M Decker July 1887" is illustrated in Wahler's Tennessee Turned, p. 170, fig. 190, p. 174, pl. 24, p. 225, fig. 190, and p. 230, pl. 24. Provenance: Skinner, Inc., March 3, 2018, lot 118. H 8".

Tennessee Icon. Important and Probably Unique Glazed Stoneware Figural Jug, Stamped "W GRINSTAFF / S:KONT.TY" and "KNOXVILLE TENN." Four Times, Grindstaff Pottery, Knoxville, TN, circa 1885-1895. This outstanding representation of the human form in clay includes delicately-applied, broken-china teeth and a curved "KNOXVILLE TENN." mark used as a decorative stamp across the figure's chest. One of the cornerstones of Wahler's collection, it is distinguished by its strong folk art appeal, large size, and extremely rare maker's mark. Attesting to the object's exceptional rarity, Wahler comments in her notes, "This is the only known Grindstaff figural, however, a sherd containing these two stamps ["W GRINSTAFF" and "S:KONT.TY"] has been found." Among the most famous examples of Tennessee pottery in existence, this jug has several pages of illustration dedicated to it in Wahler's Tennessee Turned, including the back cover. Exhibited: Arts of Tennessee, Frist Center for the Visual Arts, September 13, 2003 - January 18, 2004; Exhibited: Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Literature: Illustrated in Wahler, Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Part One, p. 94, p. 96, p. 97, p. 122, pl. 20, p. 230, pl. 20, p. 207, fig. 99, and back cover. Provenance: Wahler states that the jug "descended in the Sullivan Saloon owners family. . . Jane Mays suggests the 'S' may stand for Sullivan." H 14 1/2".

Decker Icon. Important and Probably Unique Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Inkstand with Turtle Finial, attributed to the Decker Pottery, Washington County, TN, circa 1872-1910. Extremely few Southern ceramic inkstands (either stoneware or redware) from this time period or earlier are known. This example transcends the stoneware genre with its wonderful applied turtle decoration, a treatment essentially unheard of outside of Illinois's Anna Pottery and related Midwestern stoneware. One of the definitive works by Tennessee's most famous producer of stoneware. Exhibited: Handed Down, 1986. Provenance: Wahler states the following about the inkstand in her notes: "Beverly Burbage [the leading early Decker pottery collector] owned it in '86. He did not want to lend it in '96 as the family 'was making noises about getting it back.' . . . Later bought it. . . from Don Walters. :) a long story." L 7 1/2" ; W 4 7/8" ; H 2 1/4".

Masterwork of Incised Decoration. Highly Important Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Face Jug with Incised Fish and Bird Motifs, attributed to David Parr, Jr., Baltimore, MD, circa 1835.

Among the most extravagantly-detailed stoneware face vessels known, this work is distinguished by its prolific use of incising as a decorative treatment. Its incorporation of incised fish and bird designs are otherwise unknown to us in American face vessel production, creating an object of extraordinary decorative value. Adding such designs in essence creates two remarkable ceramic pieces in one jug, one viewable from the front and the other viewable from the back. The distinctive style in which these designs are executed leads us to an attribution to David Parr, Jr., relating it to the iconic "David Parr Manufactory / Geo. N. Fulton" incised eagle cooler, made at Parr's later Richmond pottery, as well as a Baltimore redware jug with incised bird motif, inscribed "look this way for Henry Clay." All three of these pieces have similar qualities to the incising. This jug's manufacture in Baltimore circa 1835 places it at an exceptionally early period of production in the American South, making it possibly the earliest documented stoneware face vessel made below the Mason Dixon Line. The reexamination of this work adds tantalizing evidence for the influence of Baltimore on face vessel production further south. Provenance: Originally found at a storage locker auction in the Baltimore area. H 10 1/4".

Maker, Form, and Date. Exceedingly Rare and Important Open-Handled Stoneware Jar with Alkaline Glazed, Inscribed "Lm / Jan 12 1864 / Dave," David Drake at Lewis Miles's Stony Bluff Manufactory, Edgefield District, SC, 1864. This jar is distinguished as one of Drake's final documented inscribed vessels. Only two examples are dated later, two jars made in March of 1864. The jar's handle construction is extremely rare. Exhibiting classic Drake craftsmanship in their thin strap forms with depressed lower terminals, such handles are typically seen on the numerous jugs he produced over the decades, but essentially unknown in the potter's jars. Also remarkable is the jar's narrow-mouthed form, suggesting this vessel may have been made for a specific use, or that Drake was expanding beyond utilitarian forms to produce something akin to a vase. Drake's fingerprint impressions are visible at the base, created when the jar was removed from the wheel. Additional potter's fingerprints are visible at the base, created during the glazing process. Born circa 1800, David Drake made this vessel around his sixty-fourth year of life. While he is listed in the U.S. Federal Census of South Carolina as a "turner," still potting at age seventy, his omission from the 1880 census indicates he was deceased by that time. Combining exceptional form and an extremely rare date, only a year and two months before the end of the Civil War, this work serves as a rare window into Drake's final year as an enslaved, aging potter, made shortly before his emancipation. In her notes, Wahler writes the following about this jar: "At the time I bought this everyone in the know thought that he died in 1863. Jill Koverman from the McKissick was very excited to learn about this jar when she was planning their Dave exhibit. She came and photographed it and another jug we attribute to Dave. . . They wanted this Dave and I believe the other one also for their exhibit. However, as it was going to be a traveling exhibit I declined. It is mentioned in her catalog and they later found another 1864 which is the typical Dave form. Ours is the only one of this form that I am familiar with to date." H 12 3/4".

In the Manhattan Style. Exceedingly Rare and Important Stoneware Water Cooler with Incised Decorations of a Bird, Branch, and Man, Inscribed "John Tyler / Vetoes / No boddy(sic)," Dated 1842, attributed to John Floyd at the Graves Pottery, Knox County, TN, 1842.

One of the standouts from Wahler's collection, this work is elevated by its exceptional form and over-the-top decorations and inscription. Its incised decoration, rarely-seen in Southern production, relate it to the Manhattan, New York potting tradition. This relationship is most evident in the incised foliate motif or branch on the reverse, which closely resembles those found on various marked Crolius, Remmey, Commeraw, and Morgan products from late 18th and early 19th century Manhattan. The vessel's curious inscription, "John Tyler / Vetoes / No boddy(sic)," reveals a humorous or sarcastic side to Floyd. As tenth president of the United States, John Tyler (1790-1862) frequently used his veto power, ultimately leading to an investigation started by then-representative, John Quincy Adams, in the Summer of 1842, the same year that this cooler was made.

A related lidded cooler with incised floral motif, inscribed, ""Made by Jn Floyd / June 30 1857 / Knox Couty(sic) Tenn," was sold in Crocker Farm's January 2025 auction of the Carole Wahler Collection, lot 46. The cooler in our January 2026 auction is perhaps the most ambitiously-decorated example of incised salt-glazed stoneware known from the state of Tennessee, incorporating three different motifs on the same vessel. Exhibited: Art of Tennessee, Frist Center for the Visual Arts, September 13, 2003 to January 18, 2004; Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Literature: Illustrated in Wahler, Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Part One, p. 103, fig. 108, p. 121, p. 19, p. 209, fig. 108, and p. 230, pl. 19. For information on Floyd, see Wahler, pp. 14-15. Provenance: Wahler states the following about this cooler in her notes: "Purchased from descendant of James Madison Carter, Knox County. Carter drove stagecoach between Nashville and New York. His route passed near Graves Pottery. . . Remained in the original family until acquired by James J. Nicely. CW [Carole Wahler] purchased from his brother Bill Nicely. . . CW wanted it from the first that she saw it almost 20 years before she was able to purchase it." H (including lid) 17 1/2".

Striking Slip. Rare Glazed Redware Jar with Crosshatched Copper-Slip Decoration, attributed to the C.A. Haun Pottery, Greene County, TN, circa 1840-1860. This work, considered one of the most extravagantly-decorated Tennessee redware jars known, showcases the brilliance of its maker. Christopher Alexander Haun (1821-1861) was a Union sympathizer during the Civil War who, on November 8, 1861, participated in the burning of a Confederate railroad bridge along Lick Creek in Greene County, Tennessee. A plan to burn nine bridges had been devised by local minister, Reverend William Blount Carter, and was supported by President Lincoln, with the promise that a Union regiment would be provided to protect those involved. However, Haun, along with four other Union loyalist potters, were later captured, convicted of treason, and hung by the Confederacy. A moving letter written by Haun to his wife, Elizabeth, while imprisoned before his hanging, asked her to "have Bohanan, Hinshaw or Low to finish off that ware and do the best you can with it for your support." A figure of both artistic and historical significance, Haun carries a two-fold legacy, regarded today as the state's most gifted potter and a man of principle who died for the Union cause. This lot's refined potting, dramatic slip application, and use of coggled and stamped decorative treatments typify the potter's best work. Exhibited: Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Literature: Illustrated in Great Road Style: The Decorative Arts Legacy of Southwest Virginia & Northeast Tennessee, p. 137. Illustrated in Wahler, Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Part One, p. 63, fig. 58, p. 83, pl. 5, p. 199, fig. 58, and p. 229, pl. 5. Provenance: Purchased at an estate sale in Fountain City, Knox County, TN. Restored by Meg Craft in Baltimore in 1985. H 13".

Clearest Haun Impression. Exceptional Glazed Redware Jar with Amber-Colored Decoration, Stamped "C A HAUN & CO NO 1," Christopher Alexander Haun, Greene County, TN, circa 1840-1860.

This jar is distinguished by its desirable spice-jar-style form, excellent condition, dynamic glaze, and unusually clear impression of Haun's maker's mark, rarely-seen in this potter's work. Its unusual amber-colored decoration was likely achieved through the use of a light concentration of iron oxide. Exhibited: Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Literature: Illustrated in Wahler, Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, p. 50 fig. 39, p. 90, pl. 12, p. 118, pl. 16., and p. 195, fig. 39. Wahler describes this jar as having the "clearest C.A. HAUN coggle impression to date" (Wahler, p. 195). Provenance: Found in Morristown, Hamblen County, TN. H 6 7/8".

Rare and Fine Lidded Redware Jar with Copper Decoration, Greene County, TN origin, circa 1820-1860. Exhibited: Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Literature: Illustrated in Wahler, Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Part One, p. 48, fig. 36, p. 88, pl. 10, p. 194, fig. 36. Provenance: Wahler notes in Tennessee Turned, "Oral tradition states that this jar sat on a painted blanket chest in Harmon home in Greene County" (Wahler, p. 194). H (including lid) 9 1/2".

Rare and Fine Glazed Redware Jar with Manganese Slash Decoration, attributed to the Cain Pottery, Sullivan County, TN, circa 1840-1870. Provenance: Purchased by Wahler from Marcus King circa 1998. Literature: For a closely-related jar, see Wahler, Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Part One, p. 137, fig. 146, p. 216, fig. 146. H 9 1/4".

Quaker Redware Rarity. Exceedingly Rare and Important Manganese-Glazed Redware Jar, Inscribed "Silas Watkins / 1846," Silas Watkins, Randolph or Guilford Counties, NC, 1846. This jar is believed to be the only known signed example of pottery produced by Silas Watkins, the son of Henry Watkins. In her notes, Wahler states, "This [is the] only signed Silas Watkins at this time." The manner of signing and dating the vessel on the underside in large script follows the work of his father, and the jar's artistic potting and glazing reveal this elusive potter's remarkable level of skill at his craft. Equally beautiful and rare, this lot is among the most important examples of North Carolina redware from the Quaker tradition known, serving as the "rosetta stone" for attribution to this potter's hand. H 14".

Exceptional Salt-Glazed Stoneware Vase with Dipped Slip Decoration, Inscribed "I Want you for / My Master" and "AHD," Signed "GW dunn / Pumpkin / Center," George W. Dunn, Putnam County, TN, circa 1880-1920. Among Dunn's finest vases known, elevated by its charming inscription and rare signature with "Pumpkin Center" location. The initials on the base likely refer to a Dunn family member. As with this work, a second Dunn vase, sold in Crocker Farm, Inc.'s January 2025 auction of the Carole Wahler collection, highlights the potter's interest in giving a voice to a few of his special vases, reading "I AM FROM 10EC" (I Am From Tennessee). In her notes, Wahler states, "Pumpkin Center was apparently close to site 40PM60. There was a church at Pumpkin Center. This is the way George W. Dunn (dunn) signed his name on pots. He was bo. 25 Jan 1852. Father was Hyrum Spears. Mary Ann Dunn never married Hyrum. Later Jeff (Hyrum's brother married her.)" Exhibited: Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. H 11 1/2".

A Present. Exceptional Miniature Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Presentation Pitcher, Inscribed "A Present" and "Made by / C.F. Decker / Nov 26th / 1898," Charles F. Decker, Sr. at the Decker Pottery, Washington County, TN, 1898. This delicate work includes incised punctate treatment at the shoulder and foot as well as an impressed screwhead motif at the base of the handle. Among the finest Decker pitchers that we have ever offered, made extraordinary by its wonderful inscriptions and unusual incised and impressed details. This pitcher is the first hand-signed example of Decker stoneware that we have ever offered. Exhibited: Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Literature: Illustrated in Wahler, Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Part One, p. 151, fig. 165, p. 176, pl. 26. Provenance: According to Wahler's notes, the pitcher was found "at a sale for $2.50." It was later sold to Marcus King, from whom Wahler purchased it decades ago. H 3 1/4".

Miniature Mort. Exceedingly Rare and Important Miniature Glazed Redware Jug, Inscribed "George Mort May the 27th 1859," George Mort at the Hinkle-Mort Pottery, Jefferson County, TN, circa 1840-1870. Wahler writes the following about George Mort in her notes: "George Mort enlisted in the Confederate Army and I cannot find that he returned home. His wife died in 1868 and his brother S.M. died in 1869. His son John became a stoneware potter. . . It appears that George signed up in Dandridge. That is where Company C was organized." This jug's highly unusual signature, desirable size, and stylish decorative treatments, place it among the very finest examples of pottery known from this shop. Exhibited: Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Provenance: Descended in the Mort family of Shady Grove; Purchased by Wahler at Case Antiques, Inc. Auctions & Appraisals, May 21, 2011, lot 125. H 4 1/2".

Extremely Rare Glazed Stoneware Presentation Compote, Inscribed "Smithville Deklb(sic) Co Millard(?) J Dun(sic) 1889 / Miss Dunn," Dunn Pottery, Smithville, TN, 1889, Exceptional form and scarce inscription. Exhibited: Art of Tennessee, Frist Center for Visual Arts, September 13, 2003 - January 18, 2004; Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Wahler describes this piece in her notes with, "This is the only compote I have ever seen, either earthenware or stoneware." H 5 7/8" ; Diam. (at rim) 6 3/8".

Maj. T Owenby. Extremely Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Inscribed "Maj. T Owenby," Union District, SC, circa 1850. One of Owenby's finest works known, set apart as one of a very few signed pieces known from his pottery. While numerous pieces of South Carolina stoneware have been attributed to Owenby (or Owensby), this signed example, as well as a jug sold in Crocker Farm's January 2026 auction of the Wahler collection, serve as definitive examples from which accurate attributions can be made. According to Baldwin's Great and Noble Jar, this Upstate South Carolina potter was living in the Edgefield District circa 1810, likely working as a journeyman for the newly-established potteries of Abner Landrum at Pottersville or his brother, Reverend John Landrum, in Horse Creek Valley. The vessel's form, though made roughly forty years later, reflects pieces from these manufactories (Baldwin, pp. 68-69). Literature: Illustrated in Baldwin, Great and Noble Jar, p. 68. Provenance: In her notes, Wahler describes this piece as "THE Owenby Jar. . . Formerly owned by the Ferrells." H 10 3/4".

Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug with Kaolin-Slip Floral Decoration, attributed to Thomas Chandler, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1850. H 17 1/2".

Outstanding Four-Handled Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar with Iron-Slip Broken Stem Floral Decoration, attributed to Thomas Chandler, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1850. This jar features rare and desirable four-handled construction due to its remarkable size, measuring approximately twelve to fourteen gallons. Difficult-to-find with any decoration, this four-handled form is most often seen with Chandler's kaolin-slip drape motif, making this work somewhat more unusual. Provenance: Ex-George Sadder. H 19 1/2".

Alabama Masterwork. Exceptional Large-Sized Stoneware Torso Jug, Inscribed "July 31, 1866 [or 1846] / I am all ways full of / the Best old Ry(sic) whiske(sic) / i'm for free herein," Rock Mills, AL origin, late 19th or early 20th century.

This large-sized work, named "Big Boy" by Wahler, survives as one of the finest later-period Alabama face vessels known, made extraordinary by its prodigious size and wonderful inscription describing its use as a whisky decanter. The overall style of the jug, including the shape of the head and its features, are related to those found on torso jugs made at the J.L. Matthews pottery in Rock Mills, Alabama, during the early 20th century. This jug was either made there or at a nearby shop clearly influenced by this maker. Its date is likely commemorative and not contemporary to the object's manufacture, possibly referring to the date of the manufacture of the whisky it held or the founding date of a local distillery. It appears the jug's maker began to incise the reverse, and then decided to glaze the piece first and inscribe the front into the slip, thereby making the inscription more visible to the viewer. H 16 1/4".

Exceptional Open-Handled Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar with Profuse Impressed Decoration, AL origin, probably Perry County, mid 19th century. Appealing form and extravagant use of impressed decoration. Among the finest Alabama stoneware jars that we have ever offered. Provenance: Acquired by Wahler in Florida. H 9 1/2".

Exceptional Three-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar with Profuse Incised Decoration, attributed to the Jacob Eichelberger Pottery, Talladega County, AL origin, circa 1875.Provenance: Purchased by Wahler in September of 2005 at Jim Norman Antiques & Auctions, LLC, Hartselle, AL. H 16 3/4".

Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "J. MILLER, / WHEELING, VA," circa 1835. The finest example of John Miller stoneware that we have ever offered as well as the only pitcher. H 14".

Record-Setting Vase. Exceptional Four-Handled Stoneware Vase with Chinese Blue Glaze, Stamped "JUGTOWN WARE," Jugtown, NC origin, circa 1930.

This work combines an outstanding form modeled after early Middle Eastern jars with an unusually-large size and Jugtown's most desirable glaze to produce a masterwork of Southern art pottery. Provenance: Purchased by Wahler in 2006 for $31,350 at a Southern Folk Pottery Collector's Society auction in Bennett, NC, setting an auction record for North Carolina art pottery. H 17".