Alexandria Stoneware Water Cooler

November 1, 2008 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 239

Price Realized: $8,625.00

($7,500 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 16 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: November 1, 2008 Auction | Alexandria / DC Stoneware

November 1, 2008 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Open-Handled Stoneware Water Cooler with Cobalt Floral Decoration, attributed to the Wilkes Street Pottery, Alexandria, VA, circa 1830, baluster-form cooler with open handles, tubular bunghole, and heavily-tooled shoulder, decorated with an elaborate brushed design of two large flowers extending across the front, cobalt drape and leaf design below rim, and highly unusual decorated handles. Reverse decorated with a series of brushed cobalt leaves. Form and decoration are consistent with stoneware produced at Alexandria's Wilkes Street Pottery for merchant, Hugh Charles Smith. Measures approximately three gallons. One of approximately four signed or attributed Smith coolers known. Recently discovered in Missouri. 9 1/4" vertical crack from base on side of cooler, extending 4 1/4" onto underside. Rim chips. Loss to bunghole. Crack in one lower handle terminal. Chip to base of opposite handle. H 15 1/4".