Outstanding and Extremely Rare Six-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Signature, "A.P. Donaghho / Fredericktown / Wash Co / Pa," circa 1865, large-sized jar with ribbed handles, heavily-tooled shoulder, and semi-rounded rim, decorated with brushed inverted swags below the rim and a large bordered "6" flanked by dashes at the shoulder. Body of jar decorated with the very large freehand cobalt signature "A.P. Donaghho / Fredericktown / Wash. Co. / Pa.". Three cobalt dashes flank the words "Wash. Co.". Additional cobalt brushwork surrounds each handle terminal in a manner resembling a stylized tulip blossom. This important jar was produced during Alexander Polk Donaghho's early production years in Fredericktown, Washington County, Pennsylvania. The majority of surviving Donaghho pieces were made later, at his larger operation in Parkersburg, West Virginia, circa 1874-1904. Most significant about the jar is its large freehand signature, as Donaghho's primarily method of signing his ware involved the use of a stencil. (A few of his early pots also include an impressed maker's mark.) This example is the only Donaghho product we have offered with a freehand cobalt signature, arguably ranking it among the finest examples of Donaghho stoneware known. The grand size, large font, and fine potting of the jar further contribute to its appeal. Excellent condition with some shallow chipping to one handle and two chips on the interior of the rim. H 17 3/8".
