Extremely Rare 10 Gal. Double-Handled Baltimore Stoneware Water Cooler w/ Profuse Cobalt Floral Decoration

July 18, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 450

Price Realized: $1,380.00

($1,200 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 Ten-Gallon Stoneware Water Cooler with Profuse Cobalt Floral Decoration, attributed to William A. Prince, Baltimore, MD origin, circa 1850, large-sized, highly-ovoid cooler with squared rim and octagonal bunghole, decorated on the front and reverse with an elaborate triple-stemmed flowering plant design. Each side features a classic Baltimore motif: the reverse with the iconic Baltimore clover design, and the front with a wisteria-like design modified from the typical clover motif. Bunghole and handle terminals with large circular cobalt highlights. With exceptional size, form, and decoration, this cooler is one of only two of its type known. It bears the distinction of being one of the most lavishly-decorated Baltimore stoneware objects in existence, and is only outranked in size by a very few pieces. A similar example bearing the mark of potter, William A. Prince, who was active for decades at a number of the city's potteries, indicates this cooler is likely his work. Both handles professionally restored. Heavy chipping to base, primarily on reverse, including a 4" filled and colored section. Two diagonal hairlines extending from base on reverse, measuring 11" and 6". Additional hairlines on underside. A 3 1/2" tight line extending from a small stone ping at shoulder on reverse. Some shallow chips to bunghole. Some in-the-firing separation on interior, not visible on exterior. H 19 1/2".