Extremely Rare Five-Gallon Stoneware "BRISTOLS . BEER" with Applied Eagle Motif, Stamped "J* CLARK & CO / TROY", New York State origin, circa 1826-1828, highly-ovoid, jug-form cooler with ribbed open handles and circular bunghole, decorated with molded and applied design of a spread-winged eagle atop a stylized ground. Impressed circular eye and cobalt highlights to eagle. Impressed at the shoulder with the cobalt-highlighted words, "BRISTOLS . BEER", on front as well as the maker's mark, "J* CLARK & CO / TROY", on reverse. A stately form with impressive decoration, featuring highly-unusual breweriana advertising. Signed examples of J. Clark & Company stoneware are considered scarce, as this operation only lasted two years. Moreover, the mark on this cooler is a rarer variant, which features an impressed star after the potter's first initial. One of the finest examples of Troy, New York stoneware we have ever offered. Excellent condition with shallow chips to top of spout on reverse, expected very minor wear to interior of bunghole and base, and some typical in-the-firing flaws. H 17 3/4".
