Very Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Elaborate Deer Scene and New York State Advertising, Stamped "J. &. E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT," circa 1855, decorated with a slip-trailed cobalt scene featuring a standing stag. Stag is depicted with turned head and dotted body. There are shrubs at his feet, a fence in the background to the left, and a tree surrounded by shrubs to the right. Entire scene accomplished in the artistic manner that the Norton pottery has become prized for. Superior color with bright, glossy cobalt against a cream-colored background. Lightly impressed with the maker"s mark "J. & E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT," below the spout, along with a two-gallon capacity mark. Four lines of extensive merchant"s advertising impressed above the deer and highlighted in cobalt read "GILES, & CO" / DEALERS IN / HARD-WARE, IRON, CROCKERY, GROCERIES, / PAINTS, WOODEEN(sic)-WARE STATIONARY &C &C / VARIETY STORE CHERRY-VALLEY". Rarely are advertising pieces found with such an extensive list of goods. (Note the use of the term "crockery" in the advertising, likely referring to items such as the jug itself.) Adding to the rarity of this very fine example is the additional stamping of the Norton maker"s mark below the spout. Typically, Norton stoneware is impressed with either a maker"s mark or merchant"s advertising. This jug includes both on the same piece. A previously undocumented and truly exceptional example of Norton stoneware. Tiny spout nick. Stone ping on right side of jug. Two small base chips. Lightly stained area on reverse. H 13 3/4".
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