Very Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Eagle and Banner Motif, Inscribed "Sundays Law & Liberty?", attributed to William Macquoid, Manhattan, NY, circa 1870, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, applied lug handles, and semi-squared rim, decorated with a brushed design of a spread-winged eagle clutching a banner, inscribed "Sundays Law & Liberty". Impressed with a cobalt-highlighted three-gallon capacity mark above. Excellent feather detail throughout eagle. The decoration on this crock is executed in darker cobalt than is typically found on William Macquoid stoneware. The inscription on this crock appears to be a political statement. Sunday laws were created to restrict certain activities, such as alcohol consumption or sales, on Sundays, primarily to promote the observance of a day of worship. This crock questions the constitutionality of Sunday laws, as the restriction of recreational activities would limit one's own personal liberties. Provenance: Property of a New York State collector. Two hairlines from rim on front, measuring approximately 3 3/4" and 3 1/2", as well as an inverted Y-shaped hairline on side of crock through left handle, measuring approximately 5 1/2". A 1" iron ping on reverse and small iron ping to head of eagle. H 10".
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