Exceedingly Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Floral Decoration and Incised Initial on Underside, Stamped "H. SMITH & CO," Alexandria, VA, origin, circa 1825, tall jug with incised line at shoulder and ribbed handle, decorated with a large flower with outwardly branching petals or leaves surrounding the maker"s mark. Decoration is consistent with the Wilkes Street style employed by potters John Swann and Benedict C. Milburn. Cobalt is also brushed over the base of the handle. Interestingly, on this example, as is the case with some other known Alexandria pieces, an initial, probably the letter "D," is incised into the underside. It is unknown what these initials refer to, but it is possible that they refer to the potters of the vessels they are found on. In this case, the "D" could refer to David Jarbour, the well-known slave potter of Alexandria. An important example of Virginia stoneware. Cobalt-decorated stoneware jugs from Alexandria should be considered extremely rare. This is possibly the only Alexandria jug known with cobalt decoration. Near mint condition with a minor base chip and minor, in-the-firing flaws. H 18".
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