Lot #: 148
Price Realized: $2,832.00
($2,400 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.
Exceedingly Rare Shenandoah Valley Multi-Glazed Redware Bird Whistle, attributed to S. Bell & Sons or J. Eberly & Co., Strasburg, VA, circa 1890, wheel-thrown, ovoid form with footed base, featuring a hand-modeled head, neck, and tail, the latter made in the form of a whistle. Body pierced with two holes to create different notes when occluded with a finger. Surface decorated with streaks of copper and manganese over cream-colored slip with areas of orange base clay showing through. While bird whistles were produced with some regularity in the Pennsylvania-German redware tradition, this form is considered very rare in Southern pottery production. It is the first Strasburg, VA example that we have seen. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor approximately forty years ago from Shenandoah Valley antiquarian and author, Elmer L. Smith. Smith authored a number of books on Shenandoah Valley culture and folk art, including the 1973 book, Pottery: A Utilitarian Folk Craft. Tail reglued. Otherwise excellent condition, retaining a brilliant luster, with in-the-firing contact marks to underside. L 3 3/4" ; H 3 3/8".
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A Few of the Related Items We've Sold
Exceedingly Rare and Important Solomon Bell / Winchester, VA Redware Whippet Figure
J. EBERLY & CO. / STRASBURG, VA Redware Pitcher & Washbowl Set
Important Samuel Bell (Shenandoah Valley, Strasburg, VA) Stoneware Face Pitcher
Important Pair of Shenandoah Valley Redware Whippets, Samuel Bell, Winchester, VA, 1841
Very Important Pair of Glazed Redware Spaniels Signed JOHN BELL, Waynesboro, PA
