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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