Extremely Rare David Parr, Jr. (Baltimore or Richmond) Stoneware Ship Chandler's Pitcher

October 26, 2019 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 365

Price Realized: $2,478.00

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

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 5 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.

October 26, 2019 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Small-Sized Stoneware Ship Chandler's Pitcher, attributed to David Parr, Jr., Baltimore, MD or Richmond, VA, circa 1845-1855, short, squat-shaped pitcher with slightly-flared spout and heavily-ribbed handle, decorated around the body with a brushed swag and hanging tulip design. Collar decorated with upswept swags on each side. Spout decorated with an unusual brushed design of a circle surrounding a series of dashes, flanked by two vertical groups of swags. Cobalt highlights to handle terminals. The exceptional, low-and-wide-bodied form of this pitcher indicates it was probably used on a ship, presumably in the Chesapeake region. Only a few pitchers of this style are known. However, a number of squat-shaped jugs made in Baltimore and marked with various "SHIP CHANDLERS" advertising indicate their intended use. The decoration on this pitcher indicates it was made by David Parr, Jr. in Baltimore, MD or slightly later at his Richmond, VA manufactory. Parr used Baltimore clay while in Richmond, which can make attributions to either city difficult based on color. However, the mottling to the clay on the underside appears more typical of pieces he produced in Richmond. Outstanding in its size and form, this pitcher is among the most important Parr family products that we have offered in recent years. A long, faint vertical hairline to left side of pitcher, descending from a minor rim chip. A thin horizontal crack extending partway around base. H 5 3/4".