Important Large-Sized Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Incised "Dave / August 12. 1851 / Lm", Dave at Lewis Miles' Stony Bluff Manufactory, Edgefield District, SC, 1851, rotund jar with flared rim and applied lug handles, the surface covered in an appealing green alkaline glaze. Incised across the front shoulder with the inscription, "august 12. 1851 / Dave", and on the reverse with the initials, "Lm", along with two slash marks. Measuring approximately eight gallons in capacity and featuring a classic form employed by the enslaved African-American potter, this jar was made somewhat earlier than most of Dave's signed work. It features a finely-penned Dave signature, one which would become hastier as time progressed. Its inscribed initials, "Lm", appear on the reverse instead of the front, an unusual treatment among signed Dave examples. Fingerprints at the base of the jar, created when the jar was glazed, were possibly left by Dave himself. One handle professionally restored. A few short lines to rim area. Other tight lines to body of jar, all of which are probably in the surface only, as they do not appear to extend through to the interior. These include an inverted 6 1/2" T-shaped line extending up from base on side of jar. Two in-the-firing surface flakes, measuring 1 3/8" and 1 1/8". A minor rim nick. A base chip and minor base nick. Some flakes to interior base. H 17 1/2".
