Rare Oversized New Jersey Rockingham Teapot Window Display with Boston Advertising, Embossed "SPEELER POTTERY CO." and "D.B. STEDMAN & CO. / BOSTON," Speeler Pottery Company, Trenton, New Jersey, circa 1860-1879, very large molded Rockinghamware teapot with spurred handle, domed lid, and streaky reddish-brown glazed over a cream-colored ground. Large embossed signature of "SPEELER POTTERY CO." of Trenton, New Jersey on one side. Reverse with large embossed advertising for the crockery and glass dealer, Daniel B. Stedman & Co., of Boston, Massachusetts. This striking teapot of gargantuan proportions was not made to be used, but rather to serve as a window display or trade sign for Stedman's store. According to Edwin Atlee Barber's book, Marks of American Potters, the Speeler Pottery Company was active in the major ceramic center of Trenton, NJ from 1860-1879, started by Henry Speeler and involving his two sons as partners by 1868. (Henry Speeler had previously been involved with the firm of Speeler, Taylor, & Bloor, also of Trenton; some signed examples from this earlier operation are known.) The Speeler Pottery Company produced a number of Rebekah-at-the-Well teapots under the abbreviated impressed mark "S.P. CO.", often incorrectly attributed to the Southern Porcelain Company of South Carolina. This outstanding showpiece carries broad-based appeal in a variety of collecting areas, including teapots, New Jersey and Massachusetts ceramics, 19th century Rockinghamware, and American advertising. Later make-do metal finial on lid, as well as a 1 7/8" x 1 1/2" area of restoration to surface below finial, and two restored chip to edge of lid, measuring 1 3/4" and 1 3/8". Approximately 2" x 1" restored area to tip of spout. In-the-firing crack on interior of spout, partially visible on exterior back side of spout. Teapot with tight X-shaped crack across underside, continuing onto base, where it becomes ever thinner. Some restoration to tip of ceramic prongs at rim of teapot, which hold lid in place. Typical light wear to inner rim where lid rests. Restored 1 3/8" chip to side of handle. A small restoration to letters "PO" in "POTTERY". Very minor restoration to base of first "T" in "POTTERY". Small restoration to "N" in "BOSTON". Very minor restoration to "S" and "O" in "BOSTON". H (including lid) 16".
