Rare "Captain Smith" Presentation Pitcher attrib. Richard C. Remmey, Philadelphia, PA, c1880

Spring 2024 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 369

Price Realized: $2,040.00

($1,700 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

PLEASE NOTE: The American ceramics market frequently changes, often dramatically. 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.

Spring 2024 Auction Catalog

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Rare Incised and Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Presentation Pitcher, Inscribed "Captain Smith," attributed to Richard C. Remmey, Philadelphia, PA, circa 1880, ovoid pitcher with foot base and tooled collar, decorated with an incised and cobalt-highlighted floral decoration flanking the deeply-incised inscription "Captain Smith," filled with cobalt slip. Collar decorated with foliate brushwork at the base and rim, along with leaves at the midsection. This pitcher was made for Captain Henry L. Smith (1838-1908) a resident of Sea Isle City, New Jersey. According to his obituary in a local newspaper, Smith was born in Clearmont, NJ in 1838, and served thirty years on the Life Saving Station at Townsend's Inlet, where he "risked his own life many times to save the helpless and perishing sailors". Also according to the same obituary, ". . . the long chronological list of the valiant deeds of Captain Smith are well deserving of the words used by the officiating clergyman, Rev. Wm. A. Cobb, 'Well Done, Captain'". Smith was a long-time resident of Cape May County, and was one of the first to sign documents for the town of his residence, Sea Isle City, NJ. For a period in his long maritime career, Smith commanded a boat for the brothers, Harry and Jacob Strecker, of Philadelphia. A rare example of American presentation stoneware, with excellent provenance and wonderful information as to the life's work of the pitcher's owner. Provenance: Descended in the family of Captain Henry L. Smith; Crocker Farm, Inc., March 2, 2013, lot 111. Reglued piece to spout. Otherwise excellent condition. H 10 3/4".