Very Rare Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Filtering Water Cooler with Lid, attributed to Margaret Parr & Co., Baltimore, MD, circa 1835-1840, cylindrical cooler with tooled shoulder, squared rim, applied lug handles, and octagonal bunghole, brush-decorated on the front and reverse with a swag-and-hanging-flower motif. Cobalt highlights to bunghole and handle terminals. Wavy line of cobalt below each handle. Fitted with a separate, filtering top with ovoid body, flared rim, arched tab handles, and perforated tubular attachment. Interior of this filtering section includes its original disc-shaped filter still affixed to the interior of the vessel with brown resin or wax. Includes its original swag-decorated lid. The firm of Margaret Parr & Co. was headed by the widow of well-known Baltimore potter, David Parr, Sr., in association with her nephew, later Richmond potter, David Parr, Jr. Perhaps the most influential female stoneware pottery owner in American history, under Margaret Parr's ownership the family manufactory--which traded under the name Maryland Potteries--expanded greatly and came to dominate the region with its high output and distinctive design style--one often copied by other Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania shops. In 1838 Parr advertised these coolers, calling them "Stone Filtering Jars." While this scarce Baltimore form is usually found featuring the city's signature double-stemmed clover motif (dating to a later time period), that this is one of Margaret Parr's jars is confirmed both by the distinctive hanging floral motif as well as the presence of the Parr family's unique stamped capacity marks. Although the cooler is impressed with a three-gallon capacity mark and its filtering top is impressed multiple times with a four-gallon capacity mark, the rarity of this form by this maker suggests both parts were originally purchased together. An exceptional example of a unique Baltimore form, coupled with a rare positive attribution to Margaret Parr, a female business owner just beginning to receive recognition for her role in the development of the American stoneware craft. Cooler itself in excellent condition with a chip to one handle. Filtering top in excellent condition with three minor rim chips and some crazing to base area of perforated tube. A few chips to lid. H (including lid) 22 1/4".
