4 Gal. B. C. MILBURN / ALEXA. Alexandria, VA Stoneware Jar

October 26, 2019 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 397

Price Realized: $1,416.00

($1,200 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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Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Floral and Chainlink Decorations, Stamped "B.C. MILBURN / ALEXA," attributed to James Shinnick at Benedict C. Milburn's Wilkes Street Pottery, Alexandria, D.C., circa 1845, ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, semi-squared rim, and applied tab handles, decorated completely around the body with a stem bearing tulips and graduated leaves. Draped cobalt chainlink decoration to shoulder on front and reverse. Cobalt highlights to handle terminals. Strong decoration with excellent color. The style of brushwork on this jar indicates this piece was decorated by itinerant potter, James Shinnick, who would later work in Strasburg and Mt. Crawford, VA, employing similar design elements there. A 1 5/8" loss to back end of right handle. A smooth in-the-firing contact mark to right side of jar's front. A small in-the-firing surface chip to reverse. Cracks in underside, two of which extend a short distance onto base, and a third, which extends several inches on body of jar to midsection. Damage on underside includes a small reglued piece. Minor base chipping. Water glass staining to surface.