Fine Anna Pottery Pig Flask w/ Detailed "Railroad and River Guide" incl. "Anna Pottery" Inscription

October 22, 2016 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 132

Price Realized: $2,875.00

($2,500 hammer, plus 15% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 8 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 22, 2016 Auction Catalog

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Fine Anna Pottery Stoneware Pig Flask with Incised Railroad Map, Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1880, molded in the form of a reclining pig with hole at rear, incised details to muzzle and hooves, and anatomically-correct underside, the surface covered in a chocolate-brown Albany slip glaze; incised on one side "St. Louis the future Capital / the Latest and most Reliable / Railroad and River Guide with / a little good Old Bourbon in". Remainder of pig incised with an elaborate map of the Midwestern U.S., including the following landmarks: Miss River, Grand Tower, Carbondale, Duquoin, Ashley, Centralia, Odin, Effingham, Mattoon, Tolono, Cairo, Mounds, Anna Pottery, Ohio River, Cincinnati the ancient Porkopolis, and Chicago the great Corn mart. This pig features crisp, highly-legible incising, including the desirable landmark, "Anna Pottery". This pig is believed to be the first we have offered lacking incised eyes. It is possible that this omission was intentionally made as a reference to a "blind pig", a term used during the 19th century to refer to a saloon that illegally sold alcohol during prohibition. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor's parents decades ago. Excellent overall condition, the spout with two chips and a minor nick. L 7 1/4".