Very Rare MORTON & SHELDON / JORDAN, NY Stoneware Jar w/ Man's Head Decoration

March 25, 2017 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 96

Price Realized: $767.00

($650 hammer, plus 18% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 7 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.

March 25, 2017 Auction Catalog

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Possibly Unique Three-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Decoration of a Man's Profile with Hat, "Stamped "NORTON & SHELDON' JORDAN", New York State origin, circa 1840-1845, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, squared rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a brushed design of a bearded man's profile with cap. The distinctive, impressed three-gallon capacity mark with wreath border is used as a decorative device, brushed over with a curved band of cobalt extending from the figure's cap. This decoration may depict a soldier with emblem or feather on the front of his hat, or possibly a salt miner with lighted cap. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and handle terminals. One handle additionally decorated with a daub of cobalt extending from the handle terminal and cobalt chainlinks under the handle, possibly an Odd Fellow's reference. Signed Jordan stoneware is considered difficult-to-find in its own right. Examples with figural decoration of any kind are highly unusual. The rarity of this example is compounded by its elusive maker's mark representing the partnership of Sidney L. Norton and Franklin L. Sheldon. Exfoliation to front, extending partway onto sides of crock, including painted touch-up to areas of decoration. Shallow chipping to exterior of rim. Chips to interior of rim. A chip to each handle. H 10 1/2".