Very Rare and Fine Six-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar with an Impressed "N" and "2" and Six Incised Punctates, Edgefield District, SC origin, circa 1840, large-sized jar of highly-ovoid form with rounded rim molding and applied lug handles, the handle impressed with the letter, "N". Shoulder impressed with the number, "2", beside six vertically-incised punctates. Surface covered in a light-green alkaline glaze with high gloss. This jar is the only example of Edgefield stoneware we have seen impressed with "N" and "2" markings. The "N" follows in the same vein as the various stamped letters found on ware produced at Abner Landrum's Pottersville Pottery, Reverend John Landrum's Pottery, and Phoenix Factory, among others. Its impression into the jar's handle, as opposed to the shoulder or base, is unusual. Additionally, according to our research, the N stamp has yet to be found on another Edgefield vessel or sherd linked to a specific pottery. According to Cinda K. Baldwin's Great and Noble Jar, an eighteen-year-old slave named Ned is listed as part of the property of Edgefield District potter, Thomas Chandler, in an 1852 trust deed filed for his wife and children (Baldwin, pp. 75, 225). The jar's manufacture by Ned is one possible explanation for the use of this specific letter on its handle, although the jar bears little resemblance to Chandler products and appears earlier in age. The 2 stamp, also a highly-unusual feature, possibly represents the two slash marks found on the shoulder or base of pieces made in Edgefield, most notably by the enslaved potter, Dave. It, too, is highly unusual and cannot be traced to a specific pottery. This jar displays many of the features one seeks in a quality example of Edgefield stoneware. It exhibits a beautiful, lustrous glaze and a skillfully-potted form, featuring a narrow base and bulbous shoulder, characteristic of early-period wares made circa 1820 to 1840. Its use of gallonage notation with incised punctates is desirable, and its employment of two impressed stamps (both believed to be previously-undocumented) is most unusual and intriguing. A significant, recently-discovered work requiring deeper analysis. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor years ago. Very nice condition with a circular line around base, presumably in-the-firing, which is not visible on the interior. Additionally, a minor 3/4" line in rim. This jar's surface remains bright, retaining a high luster. H 14 3/4".
