Very Rare P. CROSS / HARTFORD Incised Bird Jug, c1806-08

March 14, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 69

Price Realized: $1,725.00

($1,500 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 9 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

March 14, 2015 Auction Catalog

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Very Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Incised Bird Decoration, Stamped "P. CROSS / HARTFORD," Connecticut origin, circa 1806-1808, ovoid jug with heavily-tooled spout, footed base, and ribbed handle, decorated with a folky incised design of a bird with fan-shaped tail, standing on a stylized leaf or ground. Decoration includes short incised strokes to interior of bird and ground, a hollow crescent-shaped accent to bird's wing, and a large circular eye on bird. Brushed cobalt highlights to maker's mark and handle terminals. Signed examples of Peter Cross stoneware are rarely found at auction, and the incised bird on this example obviously adds greatly to its rarity and decorative appeal. Recent period newspaper research by Brandt Zipp indicates that Peter Cross likely operated his pottery establishment for approximately two years, between 1806 and 1808, after which the operation was sold to the firm of Goodwin & Webster. Provenance: Found decades ago in the northeastern U.S. Approximately 2 3/4" x 3" area of small flakes to right side of jug. A 10" crack to right side / reverse of jug. A sliver-shaped, in-the-firing contact mark to front, and a circular contact mark to reverse. Base chips.