Fine Three-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Freehand Cobalt Decoration, Stamped "HAMILTON / & CO. / Greensboro PA.", William "Leet" Hamilton, Greensboro, PA, circa 1860, semi-ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded, ribbed lug handles, and combed banding to midsection, the front decorated with two large fuchsias, each emanating from a curved stem with graduated leaves. Base with ornate freehand "3" flanked by dashes. Large cobalt highlights to handle terminals.Reverse with impressed maker's mark of William "Leet" Hamilton at shoulder. Provenance: A recently-surfaced example, consigned from the Southeastern U.S. Very nice condition. A few faint, vertical surface lines to far right side of jar's front, not visible on interior, the longest measuring 3 1/2". A chip to one handle terminal. A minor chip to bottom edge of rim on reverse. Some minor surface wear. Some light staining at base on reverse.
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