Scarce Glazed Redware Wall Pocket with Applied Bird and Floral Decoration, attributed to J. Eberly & Co., Strasburg, VA, circa 1890, ovoid form with footed base, flattened back, and scrolled loop hanger, the front decorated with a hand-modeled and applied decoration of a bird feeding on a flowering plant. Incised details to bird's wings and impressed circular details to flowers. Surface decorated with splashed manganese and covered in a lead glaze over a mottled orange, brown, and olive ground. This example is somewhat larger than most Eberly wall pockets known and features an unusual glaze scheme differing from the typical "multi-glaze" commonly seen in this pottery's work. Of particular note is the remarkable condition of this example. While most Shenandoah Valley wall pockets survive with damage of some sort, this object remains in essentially as-made condition. Provenance: Jeffrey S. Evans & Associates, The Collection of the Late John and Lil Palmer, April 50, 2014, lot 39; purchased by John Palmer from Shenandoah Valley dealer and collector, Mickey Helsley. This lot includes a notarized affidavit by John Palmer, dated May 17, 1988, discussing his acquisition of the wall pocket from Helsley and her recent discovery of it at an estate auction in Edinburg, Virginia. Excellent condition with two tiny glaze flakes to bottom edge and a few typical in-the-firing contact marks to top of rim. H 7 1/4".
