Extremely Rare B.C. MILBURN / ALEXANDRIA, D.C. Stoneware Jar w/ Elaborate Cobalt Floral and Potted Flower Motifs, c1840

Winter 2025 Auction of the Carole Wahler Collection

Lot #: 216

Price Realized: $2,160.00

($1,800 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.

Winter 2025 Auction Catalog

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Extremely Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Floral and Potted Flower Motifs, Stamped "B.C. MILBURN, / ALEXANDRIA, D.C," circa 1840, ovoid jar with heavily-tooled shoulder, flared rim, and arched tab handles, brush-decorated on the front with a large flowering plant bearing three-petaled blossoms and on the reverse with a triple-stemmed flowering plant emanating from a highly unusual design of a flowerpot. Impressed below one handle with small-sized B.C. Milburn maker's mark including a full spelling of Alexandria, followed by D.C., indicating the jar was made while Alexandria was still part of District of Columbia. One of a small number of pieces known bearing Milburn's earliest maker's mark, the rarity of this work is complemented by outstanding decoration and color. Small base chips. A professionally restored 2" section to proper left handle. A small in-the-firing fissure to reverse terminal of proper right handle. A professionally restored 3/4" chip to opposing handle. A very minor rim nick. H 9".