Monumental "Fred Godfrey / Bennington, VT" Stoneware Flask, Norton Pottery, 1885

Summer 2021 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 15

Price Realized: $1,920.00

($1,600 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 3 years old, and the American ceramics market frequently changes. Additionally, small nuances of color, condition, shape, etc. can mean huge differences in price. If you're interested in having us sell a similar item for you, please contact us here.

Summer 2021 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Oversized Stoneware Presentation Flask with Cobalt Wreath Decoration, Dated 1885, Impressed "EDWARD EDWARDS / GLEN N Y," Inscribed "June 29 / Fred Godfrey / Bennington / Vt.," 1885, tall, slender flask with tooled spout and applied handle, decorated with a brushed and slip-trailed design of a wreath surrounding the date, "1885," accented with dotted trails and a looping flourish below. Shoulder impressed with the cobalt-highlighted name, "EDWARD EDWARDS / GLEN N Y," likely referring to the owner of the flask. Inscribed vertically around the body with the slip-trailed cobalt date and signature, "June 29 / Fred Godfrey / Bennington / Vt." Fred Godfrey was the brother-in-law of potter, Luman Preston Norton. Godfrey's personal stamp, impressed "F. GODFREY," and used for the firm, E & L P NORTON, was sold as lot 10 in Crocker Farm's July 21, 2018 auction. We cannot recall seeing another vessel of comparable size and form in American stoneware production. Of particular note is the large inscription, "Bennington / Vt," which is rarely seen executed in cobalt on Norton stoneware. Handle reglued with restoration along its two breaks, located at the upper and lower terminals. A 5/8" in-the-firing chip to top of handle. Bubbling to cobalt. H 17 1/2".