Outstanding Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt American Flag Decoration, Stamped "J. SHEPARD, JR. / GEDDES. N.Y., circa 1858-1859, ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, semi-rounded rim, and applied lug handles, decorated with a large slip-trailed design of an American flag with X-shaped stars, flanked by two groups of graduated brushed swags. Shoulder decorated with a slip-trailed, underscored "4." Cobalt highlight to maker's mark. This jar features one of the most elaborate and accurate depictions of an American flag that we have seen in New York State stoneware. It includes the correct number of stars for the period, thirty-two, which dates this work sometime between Minnesota's statehood on May 11, 1858 and Oregon's statehood on February 14, 1859. Keeping with the Geddes style, this jar features the use of both a slip cup and a brush in its decoration. Provenance: Ex-Allan Katz Americana, Woodbridge, CT. Very nice condition. Some fry to decoration. A 3 3/4" hairline crack from rim on reverse. One handle with a 1 1/4" hairline crack along edge, including a tiny chip. H 11 1/4" ; Diam. (across top) 11 3/4".
