Exceptional Diminutive Stoneware Pedestal Water Cooler, Stamped "R.W. RUSSELL / BEAVER, PA," mid 19th century, finely-potted ovoid cooler with heavily-tooled shoulder, tall collar with semi-squared spout, applied lug handles, and large, rectangular bunghole. Cooler is seated atop an unusual stepped pedestal base. Front of cooler lavishly-decorated with a brushed plant emanating from the bunghole. Heavy cobalt highlights to bunghole, along with impressed reversed number 3's to corners. Large cobalt highlights to handle terminals and circular band of cobalt at base. Impressed "R.W. RUSSELL" at shoulder, above a three-gallon capacity mark. This significant new discovery exhibits the stylish and rare pedestal-based cooler form, arguably the pinnacle of craftsmanship in Western Pennsylvania stoneware. While the cooler is impressed "3", it is of a highly unusual diminutive size. When full, it measures just under two gallons in capacity, making it one of the smallest Western Pennsylvania coolers of this style known. It also exhibits a particularly-fine, stepped base, uncommon among most Western Pennsylvania pedestal coolers. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, recently found in Tennessee. Excellent condition with a tight 1 3/4" hairline above right handle, a shallow 1/2" chip above right handle, a few minor chips on interior of rim, an in-the-firing salt drip to one side, and minor base wear. H 13 1/4".
