Miniature Earthenware Election of 1928 Whiskey Jug, Inscribed "Al Smith," Jonah Owen, NC

Summer 2022 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 312

Price Realized: $1,080.00

($900 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: This result is 2 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 2022 Auction Catalog

◀︎ Back to Catalog

▶ Login

Miniature Earthenware Election of 1928 Whiskey Jug, Inscribed "Al Smith," attributed to Jonah Owen, Moore County, NC, 1928, squat-shaped, ovoid jug with tapered spout molding, the clear-glazed surface featuring mottled green coloration. Front incised with the name, Al Smith, Governor of New York and Democratic presidential candidate in the Election of 1928. According to local history, during the period you could buy a vote in North Carolina with a little corn whiskey. The son of J.H. Owen, Melvin Owen (1917-2003), some time in the early 1980s, stated that his "older brother Jonie [Jonah Owen] (1885-1966) turned [Smith and Hoover jugs] at dad's old shop . . . was paid a penny a jug to put the handle on them. . . [and] got the clay for the handles right out of that ditch in front of the house." Melvin Owen would have been eleven or twelve years old in 1928. Excellent condition with some bubbling to glaze at base and minor wear to top edge of spout. H (of taller) 3 3/4".