One-Gallon Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Batter Pail, Stamped Twice "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1865, ovoid form with tubular pouring spout, wood-and-wire bail handle, and applied clay handle at base on reverse, decorated on the front and reverse with two graduated flower blossoms emanating from leafy stems. Spout decorated with wreath-like brushwork, spots, and a group of swags. This example includes an impressed Cowden & Wilcox maker's mark on each side, an unusual treatment. Cobalt highlights to maker's mark and applied clay ears. Traces of old red paint to wooden section of handle. This batter pail features an in-the-making flaw, which was corrected before firing. The right ear, through which the wire handle is fed, was damaged prior to firing. As a result, a second hole was formed lower on the ear to hold the wire before the piece was fired. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, from a forty-year PA collection. Loss to handle at base on reverse. Pre-firing loss to one clay ear, as discussed. A short surface line at base, not visible on interior. Minor rim wear. Minor fry to cobalt.