KEESEE & PARR / RICHMOND, VIRGINIA Stoneware Water Cooler

November 6, 2010 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 55

Price Realized: $1,725.00

($1,500 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 14 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.

November 6, 2010 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Five-Gallon Stoneware Water Cooler, Stamped "KEESEE & PARR / RICHMOND, VIRGINIA," circa 1860, cylindrical form with rounded shoulder, squared rim, and ribbed lug handles. Base with unusually-large cylindrical bung hole. Front decorated with a large brushed cobalt tulip, typical of the work of the Parr family in Baltimore and Richmond. Cobalt highlights surround the mouth of the bung hole and encircle where the bung meets the body of the cooler. Impressed on front with a five-gallon capacity mark and the mark of potter David Parr and merchant Thomas W. Keesee. The impressed mark on this particular piece is a very rare variation, in which the letters are much larger than the more common stamp and the word "Virginia" is completely spelled out. This cooler is the only signed example of the form by the potting firm of Keesee and Parr we are aware of. Provenance: Recently discovered in a Maryland basement. Cracks in underside and two large pieces reglued at base, one of which extends around the bung hole. Three thin cracks from rim, measuring 4" each, along with a 1 1/2" hairline from rim. 2" rim chip and two other small rim chips. 10" vertical hairline at midsection on reverse. Minor chip to spigot. Staining on reverse. H 17 1/2".