Extremely Rare Redware Log Cabin Bank with Two-Color Slip Decoration, Signed "Jacob Neifer," Montgomery County, PA, circa 1860, slab-built bank in the form of a log cabin with shingled roof, open windows and dormer, and large chimney with slot in top. Heavily-incised detail throughout. Exterior includes a hand-modeled figure of a woman seated on a bench behind a gathering basket. A hand-modeled figure of a cat scales the corner of the cabin and three birds are perched upon the roof and chimney. Surface decorated with yellow slip highlights and covered in a heavy lead glaze. Freeform base additionally decorated with copper and manganese accents simulating grass and earth. This work is the only signed example that we have seen from a group of elaborate, hand-modeled redware banks produced at the same pottery in Pennsylvania during the second half of the 19th century. Several sold in 1991 at the well-known Christie's auction of the Seamen's Bank for Savings' vast collection of mechanical and still banks. Known for their prodigious size and remarkable detail, banks by this potter, now documented as Jacob Neifer (working at the Frederick, Montgomery County, PA pottery of his father, Christian Neifer), rank among the most extraordinary pottery examples produced in 19th century America. Related masterworks include an iconic, large-sized bank in the form of Santa Claus, sold in Crocker Farm's May 21, 2005 auction, which set a record for a Pennsylvania redware bank. The cabin offered in our Fall auction features an exceptional glaze and appealing figural embellishments in line with the Neifer pottery's attention to detail and creativity. Provenance: Collection of Lewis Fenley "Dusty" Parker; Christie's Sale 8368, Sept. 6 1997, lot 162; Ex-Collection Seamen's Bank for Savings. Excellent condition with a few glaze flakes to base and some very minor wear. L 6 1/4" ; W 5 1/2" ; H 4 1/2".
