Rare Sixteen-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Crock with Stenciled Double Eagle Decoration, Stenciled "HAMILTON AND JONES. / GREENSBORO PA", circa 1875, large-sized, semi-ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, semi-squared rim, and applied lug handles, decorated across the shoulder with a large stenciled design of a Federal eagle with shield, clutching arrows and olive branches in its talons. Further decorated below with a second stenciled Federal eagle in flying stance above a shield, holding a banner in its beak and clutching arrows. Bottom half of jar features the stenciled signature, "HAMILTON & JONES. / GREENSBORO PA" and the stenciled capacity mark "16", surrounded by stenciled foliate motifs, along with a star-like design at center. Additional freehand stripe to decoration to jar's shoulder, midsection, and base, as well as small flourishes flanking the larger eagle. Cobalt highlights to handle terminals. A rare and desirable example of Hamilton and Jones stoneware, utilizing the region's iconic eagle motif in two different styles. Relatively few "double eagle" jars are known. An approximately 4 1/4" x 3 3/4" jagged hole on underside, with tight cracks emanating from it. These cracks remain primarily on the underside, although one does extend a short distance onto base of jar on its right side. A 2" loss to reverse side of right handle along with a small chip to front edge of same handle. Side of jar with a glazed-over 1" flake near base with deep 1/2" ping. Some crazing and light staining to surface. A salt drip to left side of jar near base. H 23".
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