Very Rare Six-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Double-Bird and Flag Decorations, Stamped "S. HART / FULTON," NY State origin, circa 1865, large-sized, cylindrical crock with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a slip-trailed design of crossed birds featuring spotted bodies, perched atop a looping flourish. A slip-trailed American flag appears to the right of the birds and a slip-trailed "6" with flourishes appears to the left. Light cobalt highlights to maker's mark. This crock is the first example of Hart family stoneware that we have seen depicting an American flag. The use of this motif suggests this piece may have been made during the Civil War in support of the Union cause. Reverse of crock with a top-to-bottom in-the-firing crack and a second long crack, both of which have been colored. Two shorter, thin cracks to base on reverse. Right side of crock's front with a top-to-bottom in-the-firing spider crack, which has been colored, associated with an in-the-firing warped area. H 12 3/4".
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