Rare Three-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jar with Incised "D," Stamped "H. SMITH & Co.," attributed to David Jarbour, Alexandria, VA, circa 1825, ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, rounded rim, and applied tab handles. Decorated on the front with a brushed cobalt flower blossom surrounding the mark of merchant, Hugh Smith, leafy trails extending to the left and right. Reverse decorated with a brushed cobalt leaf. Underside incised with a script "D," believed to be that of the African-American potter, David Jarbour, who was active at Alexandria's Wilkes Street Pottery from 1826 to 1832. A fine example of early Alexandria stoneware. Provenance: Richard Ruffner Collection; Clark & Palmer Antiques, Hamilton, VA, 1995. Literature: Pictured in Wilder, Alexandria Virginia Pottery 1792-1876, p. 113. Excellent condition for a piece of this age and origin. Chips to end of one handle. Two chips to opposite handle. Two small glaze flakes to base. Base chip. A few chips to underside at edge.