Possibly Unique Miniature Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Fuchsia Decoration, Incised "Clara Herdman / 1877" and "Compliments W.D.", Walter Donaghho, Parkersburg, WV, delicately-potted pitcher with tall collar, tooled midsection, and finely-formed strap handle, decorated with a spotted fuchsia design on each side of the collar, cobalt spots along the handle, and a cobalt band to the molding at the pitcher's midsection. Incised on front with cobalt-highlighted inscription "Clara Herdman / 1877". Underside incised "Complim / ents / W.D.". This exceptionally-rare miniature was made by Walter Donaghho, son of renowned Fredericktown, PA and Parkersburg, WV potter, Alexander P. Donaghho. Walter Donaghho was born circa 1860 and is listed in the 1870 Parkersburg, WV census as an eleven-year-old boy living with his father. The same census lists "Clara Herdman," age nine, living a very short distance from the Donaghho family. Clara, whose father, Thomas, was a farm hand, would have been about sixteen years old in 1877, about the same age as Walter, who was seventeen at the time. By 1880, the Herdmans had apparently left Parkersburg, and Walter Donaghho, age twenty, was listed as a "Professor of Penmanship." This small pitcher was presumably given as a token of affection from seventeen-year-old Walter to his lady friend. It is the only example of signed Walter Donaghho stoneware we are aware of. The size, form, and sentiment of the piece, add to its significance. Relatively few miniatures from the state of West Virginia are known. Excellent, as-made condition with a tiny, glazed-over nick to side of rim. H 3 1/8".
