Extremely Rare KINGSTON MANUFACTURE Stoneware Jar w/ Script Initials, Jacob or John Ball, Kingston, NY, c1841

July 18, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 150

Price Realized: $920.00

($800 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.

July 18, 2015 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Initials "J.G.B.", Stamped "KINGSTON MANUFACTURE", Jacob or John Ball, Kingston, MA, circa 1841, wide, bowl-shaped jar with tooled shoulder and applied lug handles, decorated with the brushed cobalt inscription "J.G.B." underscored by a wavy cobalt stripe. Additional cobalt highlights to maker's mark, capacity mark, and handle terminals. This exact piece is discussed in William C. Ketchum, Jr.'s definitive book, Potters and Potteries of New York State, 1650-1900. According to Ketchum's research, it is believed that the initials on this jar refer to Poughkeepsie, NY, potter, Jacob G. Ball, or his son, John. It is postulated that, following a period in Poughkeepsie, the Ball family established a short-lived operation in Kingston, NY. This example, with its large initials, has served as a rosetta stone for attribution of a small number of pieces impressed with the mysterious "KINGSTON MANUFACTURE" maker's mark. This jar is the first example bearing this mark that we have ever offered. Heavy chipping to rim. A thin 4" crack from rim on right side of jar's front, and a very short line in rim on left side of jar's front. A faint, horizontal in-the-firing line near base on front. Some flakes to Albany slip on interior near base. H 9 1/2" ; Diameter (across top) 11".