Extremely Rare BROWN BROTHERS / HUNTINGTON, L.I. Stoneware Jar Inscribed "Sold But No Stamps"

July 18, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 478

Price Realized: $1,840.00

($1,600 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

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Epitaph Crock with Cobalt Inscription "SOLD BUT NO STAMPS", Stamped "BROWN BROTHER / HUNTINGTON, L.I.," New York State origin, circa 1870-1885, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a slip-trailed inscription "SOLD BUT NO STAMPS" flanked by flourishes. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and capacity mark. This slogan is possibly related to the use of encased postage stamps as currency during the Civil War, due to a nationwide hoarding of coins. However, this maker's mark dates somewhat later, circa 1870-1885. Provenance: Donald Matties Collection. Literature: Illustrated on page 44, fig. 48 of USEFUL ART Long Island Pottery, Cynthia Aarps Corbett, Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities, 1985. A 6" restored crack to left side of crock's front. A 3 1/4" restored crack from rim at midsection of crock's front. (These two restored cracks do not touch the decoration.) A 1 1/8" chip to underside of one handle. A small chip and light wear to same handle. Wear to end of opposite handle. Some exfoliation to underside. Some scattered light exfoliation to sides and reverse of crock. H 10 1/4".