Three John Bell Redware and Stoneware Whimseys, Waynesboro, PA origin, circa 1850-1880

July 18, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 345

Price Realized: $316.25

($275 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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Three Miniature John Bell Redware and Stoneware Whimseys, Waynesboro, PA origin, circa 1850-1880, a miniature salt-glazed stoneware jar, along with a hand-modeled redware pitcher or basket and a small two-sided toy of a human hand with incised fingers holding a ring. Both redware articles with sponged manganese and clear lead glaze over a light-orange ground. Given their simplicity and crudeness, the two redware items in this lot were likely made by a child at the John Bell Pottery. The whimsey in the form of a hand holding a ring was created from a sprig mold used to decorate the shoulders of finer flowerpots made at the Bells' Waynesboro shop. In this case, the maker has taken two molded hands with rings and pressed them together, making it a two-sided object. Stoneware jar in excellent, essentially as-made condition. Pitcher or basket with glazed-over line in body and small in-the-firing flake on underside. Hand holding ring whimsey with in-the-firing separation and flake to one side. H (of stoneware jar) 1 5/8".