Exceedingly Rare and Important Matched Pair of Glazed Redware Spaniels, Stamped "JOHN BELL," Waynesboro, PA origin, circa 1840-1865, pair of molded, seated spaniel figures with incised details to eyes, muzzle, teeth, and paws. Both with chains extending from neck to back, composed of small, individually-impressed circles. Figures are decorated with streaks of manganese over light yellow clay and covered in a clear lead glaze. Right spaniel impressed twice on underside "JOHN BELL," and left example impressed once on underside "JOHN BELL". This pair of spaniels is one of the most significant lots of John Bell pottery ever to come to auction. They are a true pair, made from opposing molds and identically-glazed. Few such pairs exist today. It is likely both were originally displayed as highly-prized mantel pieces, given their immaculate condition. Adding to their rarity and visual appeal is the light-colored clay that both are composed of, a variety commonly found on Bell's yellow canning jars, molds, and other forms. The majority of Bell spaniels known are molded from a more-typical, reddish-orange clay, common to 19th century redware. To our knowledge, this is the first pair of Bell spaniels to come to auction in decades. An oustanding offering from the Shenandoah Valley region. Literature: Pictured in H.E. Comstock's The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, p. 153, fig. 4.209. Excellent, essentially as-made condition with no visible flaws. H (of each) 9 1/4".
