Extremely Rare Stoneware Presentation Pickles Jar, Incised "HC," Crolius Family, Manhattan, NY, late 18th or early 19th century, cylindrical jar with heavily-tooled shoulder and rim, fitted with highly unusual twisted lug handles. One side incised in cobalt-highlighted script "Pickles". Reverse incised in similar cobalt-highlighted, calligraphic script "HC," with flourishes at the corners. This jar is related to two other produce jars made by the Crolius family, and bearing similar incised initials. One is a smaller jar, incised PLUMBS and "JC," presumably for John Crolius. The second is a late 18th century jar, currently in a New York City museum, bearing a fruit name and the initials "EC". This pickles jar was likely made by a member of the Crolius family of potters for a family member with the initials "HC". An important newly-discovered example of Manhattan stoneware, and the first example we have seen with ornamental handles. Provenance: Recently discovered in the Southeastern U.S. Small rim chips. Heavy chipping to base. Thin 7" crack from rim. Minor 1" hairline from rim. Crazing, which possibly occurred in the firing, and some flakes to underside and to Albany slip on interior. H 13".