Extremely Rare Ohio Stoneware Patriotic Eagle Plaque, c1875

Summer 2024 Stoneware Auction

Lot #: 41

Price Realized: $2,280.00

($1,900 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.

Summer 2024 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Eagle Plaque, OH origin, circa 1875, molded, oval plaque featuring a relief design of a spread-winged eagle on branch, flanked by two cornucopias. Inscribed above with the slogan, "NE PLUS ULTRA," roughly translating to "THE ULTIMATE" in praise of the quality of the pottery's products. The hand-incised initials, "J" and "W," flank the eagle's head. Elaborate cobalt decoration throughout under a clear salt glaze. Original piercings at the shoulder, formed prior to firing, allowing the plaque to be affixed to a wall. This plaque is the first example of its type that we have seen, although the mold used to create it was also used to decorate a few wheel-thrown vessels that we have offered before, including a churn, two harvest jugs, and a cooler. Based on color, the plaque was likely made by the same hand as an eight-gallon churn sold in Crocker Farm, Inc.'s November 5, 2005 auction, lot 166A. Excellent, essentially as-made condition with two in-the-making edge chips and some bubbling to cobalt. L 8".