Extremely Rare Slip-Trailed Stoneware Jar, Signed Twice "R. Butt" in Cobalt Script, Washington, D.C. or Montgomery County, MD origin, circa 1825-1835, approximately one-gallon, ovoid jar with semi-squared rim and flattened tab handles. Decorated on the front and back with a highly unusual, heavily slip-trailed plant design. Additionally slip-trailed under each handle with the name "R. Butt" in script. This signature refers to Richard Butt, who operated potteries in Montgomery County, MD and Washington, D.C. during the second quarter of the 19th century. This jar's similarity in form to a signed R. Butt Montgomery County, MD jar, previously sold by Crocker Farm Auctions in May 2007, suggests that this example may have also been made in Montgomery County. It may have also been made shortly after Butt established his pottery in Washington, D.C. This jar is particularly rare, as it is the only example of Butt stoneware known that is signed in cobalt script, and also the only example known that is slip-cup-decorated. Possibly the finest example of Butt stoneware to surface. Provenance: Discovered coated in gold paint approximately three years ago in the Hagerstown, MD area. Approximately 7" curving crack from rim and a 4" crack from rim on side of jar. 1 3/4" shallow handle chip. H 10".
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