Rare "Tincture Arnica" Stoneware Bird Jug, HAXSTUN, OTTMAN & CO. / FORT EDWARD, NY

July 18, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 74

Price Realized: $2,070.00

($1,800 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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Outstanding and Very Rare Five-Gallon Stoneware Druggist's Jug with Cobalt Quail Decoration, Inscribed "Tincture ARNICA", Stamped "HAXSTUN, OTTMAN & CO. / FORT EDWARD, N.Y.," circa 1870, large-sized syrup jug with flared and pinched spout and applied handle, the front decorated with a large game bird design with crest and heavily-spotted body, standing atop a stylized ground. Inscribed above in large freehand letters with the words "Tincture ARNICA", a popular apothecarist's solution of the 19th century. The Arnica plant is a member of the sunflower family native to Europe and has been used for centuries, even today, as a healing remedy and pain reliever. Few examples of American stoneware are known with freehand herbal or medicinal inscriptions of this type. Interestingly, the bold lettering on this example is quite reminiscent of the inscriptions on drawers of apothecary cabinets of the period. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and capacity mark. The large size of this example, its bold bird decoration, and unusual syrup jug form (designed to dispense the liquid drug easily and efficiently), all add to its rarity and decorative appeal. Excellent condition with a minor chip to right edge of pinched pouring spout, a minor chip to side of rim, and some in-the-firing iron pings, the largest located on the side of the handle and measuring 1 1/4" long. H 19".