Charles Decker, Washington Co., TN Stoneware Salesman Sample Grave Marker

May 21, 2005 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 73

Price Realized: $8,800.00

($8,000 hammer, plus 10% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 19 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.

Auction Highlight: May 21, 2005 Auction | Southern Pottery

May 21, 2005 Auction Catalog

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Very Rare Stoneware Salesman's Sample Grave Marker, attributed to Charles Decker, Washington County, TN, circa 1860, tall, narrow form with tooled base and finial, stamped "T.R. KILE / BORN / AUG. 3, 1700. / DIED / AUG. 3, 1800." Stamped asterisk design repeated five times around molding above name, twelve times on reverse, and once on finial. Stamped words and designs are highlighted in cobalt. This example is attributed to Charles Decker of Washington County, Tennessee, based on nearly identical examples signed by or attributed to this potter. This particular example is very interesting in that the impressed dates are extremely early, 1700 & 1800. In addition, the death date is one-hundred years to the day later than the birth date. For these reasons, this gravemarker likely served as a salesman"s sample or display model, one which showed customers the style of gravemarker Decker produced. One of the rarest of stoneware forms produced in 19th century America. Mint condition. Height 12".

Charles Decker, Washington Co., TN Stoneware Salesman Sample Grave Marker

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