Rare Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "MORGANTOWN," Thompson Pottery, Morgantown, WV, circa 1860, cylindrical jar of unusual form with tooled shoulder, tall collar, pronounced, semi-squared rim, and molded C-scroll handles with rounded terminals. Front decorated with an unusual design of a sweeping vine bearing a solid-bodied tulip, an open-centered tulip with delicately-brushed veining on interior, and a circular, fan-shaped blossom. Further decorated below with a stem bearing three tulip blossoms. Cobalt highlights to handle terminals. Reverse impressed with a very rare Thompson Pottery maker's mark, which reads simply, "MORGANTOWN," along with a Thompson Pottery capacity mark above. This jar is a noteworthy example of the Thompson family's work, featuring a scarce and extravagant design related to early Western Pennsylvania motifs from Beaver and Greensboro, appealing molded handles, and an elusive maker's stamp. This jar is the first example that we have offered bearing this specific mark. Chips to right handle. Left handle with wear and a thin 2 1/4" horizontal line along edge. Reverse with 6 1/2" vertical line. A few shallow chips to underside. H 15".