Extremely Rare and Important Shenandoah Valley Region Redware Tree-Stump Pitcher, Stamped "W.A. LYNN," possibly Anthony Weis Bacher, Mechanicstown (now Thurmont), MD, circa 1876-1881, finely-potted, ovoid pitcher with footed base, tooled shoulder, flared rim, and elegant ribbed strap handle with thumbrest, the surface embellished with heavy incising resembling tree bark, and decorated with applied knots and sawed tree limbs. Exterior dipped in a yellowish slip and decorated with daubs of manganese throughout. Surface covered in a clear lead glaze. Impressed "W.A. LYNN" maker's mark below rim. Few pieces are known bearing the mark of William Addison Lynn, owner of the Big Hunting Creek Pottery in Mechanicstown, MD, circa 1876-1881. The majority of signed examples are highly utilitarian in nature, primarily flowerpots and unglazed jars. This whimsical pitcher, with its delicate potting, incised surface, and applied decoration, ranks among the finest and most decorative Lynn pieces known. According to H.E. Comstock's The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, this form may have been produced by Anthony Weis Bacher or his protege, James C. Mackley, at Lynn's shop. Its rustic surface can be found on a number of other Bacher products. Only a few examples of this form marked Lynn are known, and this pitcher is the first of its type to come to auction in over fifteen years. Provenance: From an eighty-five year private collection. Literture: Illustrated and discussed in Comstock, The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, p. 437; For a second example, see Sotheby's, Important American, Furniture, and Folk Art, Jan. 16-17, 1999, Lot #309. Two base chips. A 1 1/2" hairline on underside, stopping at base. Some expected wear to rim and surface. Handle with shallow chips to thumbrest and light wear. H 7 1/2".
