Rare and Exceptional "Anthony W. Bacher / 1882" Winchester, VA Redware Wash Pitcher

March 24, 2018 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 67

Price Realized: $2,478.00

($2,100 hammer, plus 18% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 6 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 24, 2018 Auction Catalog

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Exceptional Shenandoah Valley Glazed Redware Pitcher, Signed "Anthony W. Bacher / 1882", Winchester, VA origin, 1882, gracefully-potted pitcher with ovoid body, footed base, upswept spout, and heavily-ribbed strap handle with applied spurs and triangular terminal. Surface dipped in cream-colored slip, lavishly-decorated throughout with splashed manganese, and covered in a clear lead glaze. Underside with the large signature and date, "Anthony W. Bacher / 1882", incised in Bacher's distinctive, cursive penmanship. This lot is regarded as the finest pitcher by Anthony Bacher that we have ever offered. Its ornate style, significantly rarer than Bacher's typical semi-ovoid pitcher forms, suggests it may have been made to be used with a washbowl. However, the fact that it is shorter and squatter than Bacher's typical washbowl pitchers suggest it may have been alone. This idea is supported by the existence of 6 1/3" example of this specific form in the collection of Winterthur, indicating that Bacher did not solely reserve this style for his pitcher and bowl sets. This pitcher's elegant form, complemented by a lustrous glaze in his classic cream-and-brown color scheme, reveals Bacher as a true master of his craft. One of his finest works to come to auction in recent years. Provenance: From a Virginia estate. Some small restored glazed flakes, as well as one restored flake measuring 1 1/4" and a second measuring 3/4". Restoration to a section of the foot of the pitcher. Typical wear to rim and handle. H (to top of handle's thumbrest) 10 5/8".