Extremely Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt X Decoration, Stamped "A.E. SMITH / NORWALK", CT origin, circa 1830, ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, tall collar, and applied lug handles, decorated on the front and reverse with a brushed wavy X motif. Cobalt highlights to handle terminals and maker's mark. This jar features the elusive maker's mark, "A.E. SMITH / NORWALK", used by Asa E. Smith in the early years of his Norwalk stoneware manufactory, prior to the establishment of the firms "SMITH & DAY" and "A.E. SMITH& SONS". It is the first example of stoneware that we have offered bearing this stamp. Provenance: From a recently-surfaced NC collection, purchased by the consignor decades ago. Spots of staining to surface. A few rim chips and a few iron pings to rim. A 2 1/4" Y-shaped line to shoulder on reverse, not visible on interior. Front with a faint 4" vertical line at base, extending 1 1/4" onto underside.