Anthony Baecher, Winchester, VA or Thurmont, MD Redware Dog Figure

July 11, 2009 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 146

Price Realized: $2,415.00

($2,100 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 15 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.

July 11, 2009 Auction Catalog

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Very Rare Large-Sized Redware Figure of a Dog with Applied Coleslaw Fur, attributed to Anthony Bacher, Winchester, VA or Thurmont, MD, circa 1880, hand-modeled figure of a seated dog with collar, open mouth revealing tongue, and incised eyes produced from balls of clay. Surface embellished with applied clay "coleslaw" fur, and covered in a brown lead and manganese glaze. This dog was used as a doorstop well into the 20th century, and was likely originally intended for this purpose. Figural pieces from the Shenandoah Valley of this size are exceptionally rare. We believe this is the first Bacher dog to be sold at auction in many years, if ever. It exhibits a wonderful facial expression that can be considered humorous or playful, as is noted by leading Shenandoah Valley pottery expert, H.E. Comstock, in his book, The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region. For similarly styled Bacher doorstops in the form of a bear, see Comstock, p. 179, figs. 4.280 and 4.281. Missing arms, but little evidence of where the arms would have been attached to the body suggest they may have been lost during the firing. Missing tail and presumably a small flowerpot from back. Muzzle reglued and missing tip to tongue. Large losses to ears, damage to tips of feet, and general wear to surface. Traces of old blue paint. H 9" ; Width (at base) 6 1/4".