Outstanding Miniature Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Presentation Churn with Impressed Motifs, Stamped "O. HART," Hart Family, Sherburne or Ogdensburg, New York, mid 19th century, ovoid form with flared rim and rope-twist handles featuring impressed screwheads and incised stippling to the terminals, the shoulder decorated on the front and reverse with impressed dollar signs flanked by incised stippling and collar decorated with impressed key tips. Additional impressed dollar signs appear along the top of the rim. Brushed cobalt spots decorated the shoulder on the front and reverse. The impressed name, "O, HART," appears below the dollar signs on the front, underscored by a triangular motif of impressed commas, further underscored by V-shaped cobalt spot decoration. The churn's original lid features elaborate impressed key tip decoration as well as incised stippling to the raised opening. Cobalt highlights appear throughout the impressed decoration and name, and coat the churn's handles. A wooden dasher of unknown origin is included. This recently-surfaced work was clearly made as a toy for Ordelia Hart (born circa 1842), daughter of potter Charles Hart, who operated potteries in Sherburne and Ogdensburg during this time period. (See Ketchum, Potters and Potteries of New York State, pg. 392.) Presumably made by Charles himself or another member of this English-born potting family, this vessel's whimsical decoration was cleverly-supplied by various impressable objects at the potter's disposal, including printer's type. A significant new discovery by one of New York State's most prominent families of potters and the best Hart stoneware piece to come to auction in years. Churn in excellent condition with a small chip to underside at edge and some typical wear to inner rim for lid. Chips to lid. H (including lid) 5 5/8".
