Outstanding Three-Gallon Stoneware Presentation Water Cooler with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Impressed "SPIRITS OF TURPENTINE. / W.H. Crandell," Stamped "CLARK & FOX / ATHENS," NY State origin, circa 1829-1843, highly-ovoid jug-form cooler with octagonal bunghole. heavily-tooled shoulder, and open ribbed handles, decorated with a slip-trailed wreath above the impressed and cobalt-highlighted inscription, "SPIRITS OF / TURPENTINE. / W.H. Crandell." Base impressed with the cobalt-highlighted maker's mark, "CLARK & FOX / ATHENS." Reverse decorated with a slip-trailed floral motif. Cobalt highlights to handle terminals and surrounding bunghole. Dark cobalt band around base. Impressed "3" on top of spout. Featuring a stylish form and rare subject matter with impressive 1 1/4" tall lettering, this cooler is among the finest examples of signed Nathan Clark & Ethan Fox stoneware known. The name, "W.H. Crandell," is underscored by Clark's distinctive coggled circle motif, typically seen on this potter's inkwells. Dr. Wilson H. Crandell was the brother-in-law of Ethan Fox and an Illinois physician. As part of various period medical treatments, he would have used Spirits of Turpentine on a regular basis, and this elaborate cooler would have been made as a gift to sit in his office. The exceptional history we can attach to this object along with its great folk art appeal make it perhaps the finest example of Athens stoneware we have offered. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor in the 1970s. Excellent condition with a tiny chip to bunghole and a tiny in-the-firing chip to reverse of one handle. H 15 1/2".
