Exceptional Glazed Redware Butter Tub, Stamped "J. BELL," Waynesboro, PA origin, circa 1840, cylindrical form with tooled banding and applied open handles, resting on three applied feet, decorated around the body with an alternating copper and manganese slash decoration, applied over a light-orange ground. Further decorated above with manganese sponging. Surface covered in a clear lead glaze. Impressed "J. BELL" at shoulder. Among Bell's finest extant butter tubs, the highly unusual decoration on this example is closely-related to that seen on the record-breaking "J. BELL" jar (lot 431) sold in Crocker Farm, Inc.'s July 20, 2019 auction. The early maker's mark and lack of the typical twist to the handles indicate this butter tub is among the earliest known by Bell. The underside bears an early pencil inscription, "Grandmother Myers / First Lard Tub 1854." A top-to-bottom crack from rim. Two hairlines on underside, measuring 3 1/2" and 2 1/4", both of which extending slightly onto base of tub. A 1" chip to underside at edge, a small amount of which is visible at the base when the tub sit flats. A few other small base chips. A chip to one foot on underside. Some light rim wear. Glazed surface survives in exceptional condition, retaining a strong luster. H 5 1/4" ; Diameter 8".
