Extremely Rare COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA Batter Pail w/ Four Man-in-the-Moon Decorations

Fall 2023 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 150

Price Realized: $9,600.00

($8,000 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

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Auction Highlight: Fall 2023 Auction | Central PA Stoneware

Fall 2023 Auction Catalog

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Possibly Unique One-and-a-Half-Gallon Stoneware Batter Pail with Four Cobalt Man-in-the-Moon Motifs, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1865, ovoid form with tubular pouring spout, applied clay tabs with wood-and-wire bail handle, and handle at base on reverse; the pail's front is brush-decorated with two man-in-the-moon motifs facing the spout and a horizontal tulip below the maker's mark. The reverse is decorated with two facing man-in-the-moon motifs conjoined at their base with a vertical foliate motif. Cobalt highlights surrounding the base of the spout, applied at the tabs, and at the terminals of the handle on reverse. This work is possibly the only surviving example of Cowden & Wilcox stoneware depicting its iconic man-in-the-moon motif four times. Includes tin lid and spout. Much of the reverse of the pail has been professionally reassembled tightly, with some minor chipping along the reassembled pieces, but no coloring. Some tiny surface flakes to reverse, the handle at base with a 3/4" chip and a minor chip. The front of the pail is undamaged with only some minor surface wear. The spout has chipping along its mouth. A small rim chip to side of pail. H 9 3/8".