Unique and Important Stoneware Razorback Hog Flask with Profuse Incised Inscriptions, Signed "The Springfield Hog. from Kirkpatrick / Anna, Ills May 21 1871," Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, Illinois, 1871, large-sized, molded flask in the form of a hog with opening at rear, the flask featuring hand-modeled and incised facial features including a large snout with applied tusks and painted eyes, heavy notching to ears, and two applied and incised clay spines along back. One ear with two pierced circles, representing the ear-tagging of farm animals. Anatomically correct underside. One side of flask features the following unique incised inscriptions: "St. Louis the future Capital of the U.S.A. the next Legislature of the State of Illinois will Meet at the City of Chicago in a hog's" [hand pointing to rear of hog], "Peoria the future Capital of the State of Illinois," and "Springfield the [hand pointing at rear] of Creation". Front signed within a banner "The Springfield Hog. from Kirkpatrick / Anna Ills May 21 1871". Base additionally reads "To the" with line below rubbed out, indicating the hog was originally intended as a presentation piece, but the gesture was revoked prior to firing. Underside of hog features the unique inscription "Cincinnati the ancient Porkopolis but now alas, the hog is cut, and her glory is departed." These words are possibly a reference to castration, as the hog's testicles are deeply-incised with slit marks. Underside of chin incised "Chicago the great Corn Crib of the World". Remainder of hog incised a map of the Midwest, including the following landmarks: Mississippi River, CAIRO, Grand Tower, Jonesboro, ICRR, Cairo & St. Louis, St. SB & SI, St L, O & M R.R., Vandalia, Pana, Decatur, El Parna (?), Mounds, Carbondale, DuQuoin, Ashley, Centralia, Odin, Effingham, Mattoon, Tolona, Gillman, CBiC RR, Cairo & Vincens RR, Vincens, and Anna Pottery. This important flask is the only Anna example known in a razorback hog form. Coupled with this exceptional size and body style is the rare signature and early date, as well as elaborate and unique incising. All of these attributes give credence to the statement that this flask is the finest Anna Pottery pig ever to be auctioned. Long shallow chip to one ear, one chip to opposite ear, one chip to muzzle. Otherwise excellent condition. L 8 3/4".
