Extremely Rare Solomon Bell, Strasburg, VA Redware Mold w/ Two Different Marks

October 31, 2009 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 254

Price Realized: $5,175.00

($4,500 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.

Auction Highlight: October 31, 2009 Auction | Shenandoah Pottery

October 31, 2009 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Shenandoah Valley Redware Cake Mold, Stamped with Two Different Marks, "SOLOMON BELL / Strasburg, Va." and "SOLOMON BELL / STRASBURG / Va.," circa 1860, large-sized cake mold with embossed swirled design to body and scalloped molding around rim, decorated with a vibrant streaky yellow slip over an orange ground. A large daub of manganese is applied to the opening on the underside. Surface covered in a clear lead glaze. This important mold is stamped with two different Solomon Bell maker's marks. It is likely a transition piece between one of Bell's earlier Strasburg maker's marks, which reads "SOLOMON BELL / Strasburg, Va.," and his later three-line maker's mark, which reads "SOLOMON BELL / STRASBURG / Va." The earlier stamp is impressed diagonally along the raised swirl design and the later mark is impressed below the rim. This mold is the only example of Solomon Bell pottery we have seen impressed with two different marks. In exceptional color and condition, this example is possibly the finest cake mold by this potter known. Excellent condition. Two scratched areas to surface, wear to central tube, and two minor rim nicks. H 4 1/8" ' Diameter 10 1/2".