Rare H. WILSON & CO Stoneware Jar, African-American Potter Hiram Wilson, Guadalupe County, TX, 1869-87

October 17, 2015 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 126

Price Realized: $920.00

($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.

October 17, 2015 Auction Catalog

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Rare One-Gallon Southern Stoneware Jar, Stamped "H. WILSON & CO.," Guadalupe County, Texas, origin, circa 1869-1884, semi-ovoid jar with rounded shoulder and flared rim designed to hold a lid, the surface covered in a salt glaze. Impressed with "H. WILSON & CO." maker's mark at midsection. Interior coated in a brown glaze, probably Albany slip. This jar was produced at the historically-significant shop of free African-American potter, Hiram Wilson. Wilson is regarded as the first African-American business owner in the state of Texas, establishing his pottery in 1869 with two other freed slaves, James Wilson and Wallace Wilson, who had all taken the surname of their former master. This operation ended with Hiram Wilson's death in 1884. A tight 5 3/4" crack from rim. Wear to interior of rim and inner rim where a lid would rest. A Y-shaped crack across underside, which continues onto base, where it forms a 3 1/2" Y. The crack on the underside also continues 3/4" onto the opposite side of the jar. Small rim chips. Some staining to surface. H 9 1/2".