Possibly Unique W GRINSTAFF, Tennessee Salt-Glazed Stoneware Lidded Sugar Bowl

Winter 2025 Auction of the Carole Wahler Collection

Lot #: 48

Price Realized: $6,000.00

($5,000 hammer, plus 20% buyer's premium)

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Auction Highlight: Winter 2025 Auction of the Carole Wahler Collection Auction | Southern Pottery |

Winter 2025 Auction Catalog

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Possibly Unique Salt-Glazed Stoneware Lidded Sugar Bowl, Stamped "W GRINSTAFF," Grindstaff Pottery, probably Knox County, TN, circa 1885-1895, ovoid form with footed base, tall collar, and delicate open-loop handles, retaining its original domed lid. Impressed with William Grindstaff maker's mark near base. Salt-glazed surface, possibly over dark slip. In her notes, Wahler states "this is the only known Grindstaff sugar bowl." Exhibited: Made in East Tennessee: Pottery, Museum of East Tennessee History, 1996; Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Literature: Illustrated in Wahler, Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Part One, p. 95, fig. 98, p. 207, fig. 98. Provenance: Found in Grainger County, TN. Sugar bowl in excellent, essentially as-made condition, remarkably retaining its original delicate handles. Lid missing finial, possibly in-the-firing, with flakes to flange on its underside. H (including lid) 7 1/2".