Spring 2026 Auction Featured Photos

Incomparable Incising. Highly Important Large-Sized Stoneware Water Cooler with Profuse Incised Tree and Cow Scene, Stamped "NICHOLS & BOYNTON / BURLINGTON, VT," circa 1854-1855.

Displaying one of the most extravagant incised decorations known in 19th century American stoneware, this cooler ranks among the greatest surviving ceramic works from the state of Vermont. Sophisticated in its execution, the tree includes numerous overlapping branches that required forethought and delicate attention during the decorative process. The extravagant top-to-bottom tree assumes a life of its own, dominating the front and extending onto the sides of the vessel. Impressed rectangular treatment forms bark on the tree's surface and a feeding cow decorates the ground below. Easily the finest example known from this short-lived partnership, pieces of this extreme size and decorative quality were used as storefront display pieces advertising the pottery's work or used in local hotels for patrons to admire while pouring a drink.

This monumental creation, measuring roughly ten gallons in capacity, was recognized very early as a work of art--at a time when stoneware was often overlooked--acquired by pioneering American decorative arts collector, Francis P. Garvan, sometime prior to 1930. In that year, he donated the majority of his important collection, including outstanding examples of American silver and period furniture, to his alma mater, Yale University, in honor of his wife, Mabel Brady Garvan. Why this cooler never arrived at Yale, or whether or not it was perhaps deaccessioned by the university, is unknown to us. Surfacing in 1987 to sell at Denlinger Auction in Bennington, Vermont, the crock achieved the remarkable price of $19,800, eclipsing the famous Geddes, NY cat crock offered in the same sale.

Today, stoneware objects of this extraordinary quality are rarely found in private hands. Provenance: Francis P. Garvan Collection; Denlinger Auctions, Bennington, VT, Fall 1987, lot 75, illustrated on interior cover and back cover of catalog; Denlinger Auctions, Bennington, VT (second offering); Cathy Treffeisen Collection. H 23 1/2".

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Slip-Trailed Decoration at its Finest. Outstanding Five-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Rooster Scene, Stamped "JOHN BURGER. / ROCHESTER," NY State origin, circa 1860.

A popular subject in American folk art, this particular rendering of a rooster ranks among the very best in this country's early ceramic production. Replete with detailed feathering to the body and tail, flowing, hair-like feathers to the head and neck, and a pronounced comb, the bird is given attitude and personality with its confident stance and raised leg. Typical of Burger's best work, the figure is positioned on a realistic ground, accented with shrubs and a larger plant, in this case a painterly cattail in front of the bird. The design, executed in bold, crisp cobalt accents a light-gray ground, reveals Burger as not only an expert decorator and pottery, but one capable of glazing and firing his work to perfection. This crock truly transcends its medium and reads much like an Audubon work or 19th century pastoral painting. H 12 1/2".

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Best Pheasant on Stump. Magnificent Five-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Elaborate Cobalt Pheasant on Stump Decoration, Stamped "WEST TROY / N.Y. / POTTERY," circa 1875.

This jug's exceptional size and extravagant design, including rarely-seen foliage added to the stump, define it as arguably the best of example known of this desirable Northeastern motif. Provenance: Sotheby's, Distinguished American Furniture and Folk Art: The Collection of Susan and Mark Laracy, January 20, 2007, lot 43. Sotheby's catalog description states the following regarding the jug's provenance and publication history: "Dominick Cervone, Jackson Heights, New York, 1993. Mr. Cervone sold his fine collection of Americana, including 18-20 stoneware pieces with pheasant on stump decorations, in the early 1990s. He said this jug was his favorite piece. It was, in fact, the last piece with which he parted. . . Ernie Graf, Saratoga Springs, New York, June 2000. Ernie Graf describes this pieces as, 'The finest example of a pheasant on a stump I've ever seen.' Literature: Steven B. Leder and Fred Cesana, The Birds of Bennington, p. 142". H 20".

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Exceptional Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Oversized Cobalt Bird on Branch Decoration, Stamped "J. & E. NORTON, / BENNINGTON, VT," circa 1855. This jar features perhaps the largest bird design in comparison to the size of the vessel that we have ever offered in Norton stoneware. The shape of the bird and its distinctive crest suggest that John Hilfinger, the itinerant artist who created the image, was depicting a quail. Coupled with the rarity of the design is unusually strong color and contrast. H 11 1/8".

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Important Political Platter. Exceedingly Rare Slip-Decorated Redware Loaf Dish, Inscribed "Lafayette / & / Jackson," Norwalk, CT origin, circa 1824.

Among the rarest political inscriptions found on Norwalk redware, this loaf dish was undoubtedly made in 1824, during Marquis de Lafayette's famous "Farewell Tour" of America. Lafayette and Andrew Jackson held mutual respect for each other, and the two met in December of that year in Washington, D.C., during Jackson's first candidacy for president. At the time, the Presidential Election of 1824 was being decided, one that Jackson would ultimately lose to John Quincy Adams. Lafayette would later visit Jackson on May 4 and 5 of 1825 at his estate, The Hermitage, in Nashville, Tennessee. During this visit, Jackson showed Lafayette a pair of pistols that the latter had gifted George Washington in 1778. Lafayette's excited response was, "Oh my Pistols; the pistols I presented to George Washington," and indicated that he was glad they were in the hands of the "Hero of New- Orleans." While a number of "Lafayette" and some "Washington & Lafayette" Norwalk redware dishes have survived, this loaf dish is one of only two such pieces bearing the inscription "Lafayette & Jackson" that we are aware of. The second is a charger previously owned by well-known political collectors, Rex and Patti Stark. This loaf dish's size, brilliant color, and exemplary condition, make it a significantly finer example of the two, as well as one of the most outstanding examples of politically-inscribed Norwalk redware known. Provenance: Purchased by the consignor from David Wheatcroft. Dimensions: 14 3/8" x 10 1/2".

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In the American Style. Exceedingly Rare and Important One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Impressed and Cobalt-Highlighted Federal Eagle and Incised Foliate Decorations, Stamped "C. CROLIUS / MANHATTAN, WELLS / NEW-YORK," early 19th century. This work draws from the Clarkson Crolius's Westerwald heritage in its incised decoration, while touting its American manufacture with its impressed eagle motifs on the front and reverse. One of only two eagle-stamped Crolius pieces that we are aware of and one of the finest marked Crolius jars known. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., March 14, 2015, lot 11. H 8 3/4".

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Cover Piece. Extremely Rare and Important Stoneware Jar with Profuse Incised Floral Decoration, Stamped "COERLEARS HOOK / N. YORK," Thomas Commeraw, Manhattan, NY, late 18th century. This outstanding early work by Commeraw, featuring deft freehand incising and superb color, is illustrated on the back cover of Brandt Zipp's book, Commeraw's Stoneware: The Life and Work of the First African-American Pottery Owner. A related jar resides in the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., November 2, 2013, lot 8. Literature: Illustrated in Zipp, back cover and p. 63, fig. 3. H 9 1/2".

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Doubly-Incised. Extremely Rare Stoneware Jar with Incised Fish and Bird Decorations and Coggled Vine Motif, Stamped Twice "PAUL : CUSHMAN'S," Paul Cushman Pottery, Albany, NY, circa 1810. This jar's depiction of fish and bird-on-stump designs on opposing sides places it among the more finely-decorated examples of Cushman stoneware known. Provenance: Cathy Treffeisen Collection. H 13 1/8".

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Fine Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Incised Fish Decoration, Albany, NY area, early 19th century. Provenance: Cathy Treffeisen Collection. H 14 1/2".

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The Haun Snake Jar. Exceedingly Rare and Important Glazed Redware Jar with Brushed Manganese "Snake" Motif, attributed to Christopher Alexander Haun, Greene County, TN, circa 1840-1860.

This iconic jar is responsible for the discovery of "Great Road Pottery" as a distinct school of American redware. The vessel's story is outlined in the introduction to Carol Carpenter Wahler's Tennessee Turned: Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Part One, an essay written by J. Roderick Moore, entitled "A Brief History of the Discovery and Documentation of East Tennessee Earthenware." Moore writes, "I was still doing research on Wythe County, Virginia, safes and blanket chests, so I was not really looking for a new subject to study until one Saturday morning at the Kingsport Livestock Market. Mary Ellen Walker of Morristown, Tennessee, brought a piece of boldly decorated earthenware pottery to show me (Plate No. 7, Catalog No. 47). She had purchased it locally but did not have any idea where it was made or by whom. I must admit that I had seen nothing like it. The first that came to my mind was that the piece was not American. We have since dubbed it the 'snake jar.' . . . [W]hen I first saw the "snake jar" and it did not resemble anything I had ever seen before, I thought it could not be local or even American. I probably would have walked away from it had it not been for my wife at the time, Betsy Eaton. She said, 'Regardless of where it's from, buy it.' Mary dropped her price from $35 to $28 and I purchased it! By chance that same day Betsy and I drove about 15 miles to Rocky Mount Museum in Piney Flats, Tennessee, to see a Virginia applique quilt which we had heard about and did I get an education! In their visitor's center and historical building, there were more than 20 pieces of pottery related to the 'snake jar.' Since it was Saturday, the museum curator was not there but the labels on the pots said the Morton sisters, of a Sullivan County family, had given the collection to the museum. My mind was racing- over 20 pots given by two local sisters and the 'snake jar' showing up within the region. I knew enough about Strasburg, Virginia, and North Carolina pottery to know that I was looking at a whole new style of Southern pottery as far as the antiques world was concerned. On our way home from the museum, we stopped at Marc [King's] and told him what we had seen. I said that I felt I had discovered a new school of Southern decorated pottery. . . In 1983 my article "Earthenware Potters Along the Great Road in Virginia and Tennessee" came out in the September issue of The Magazine Antiques. I say it cracked the door on the subject, but Carole insists it did more than that. She maintains that it was the foundation upon which collectors built their interest in southwestern Virginia and eastern Tennesse pottery" (Wahler pp. 9 -11).

Featuring classic Haun potting, a band of coggled designs around the shoulder, and decorative stamping to the handle terminals, this jar is distinguished by its three sinuous, snake-like motifs extending from shoulder to base in brushed manganese slip. Both seemingly ancient and modern all at once, Haun's "snake jar" is a timeless work that captures this potter's genius, standing as one of the great representative examples of Tennessee redware. Exhibited: Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. Literature: Wahler, Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, discussed on p. 9, 10, and 196; illustrated on p. 54, fig. 47, p. 85, pl. 7, p. 196, fig. 47, and p. 229, pl. 7. H 12 3/4".

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Glaze, Form, and Maker. Extremely Rare Redware Pitcher with Profuse Copper Slip Decoration, attributed to Christopher Alexander Haun, Greene County, TN, circa 1840-1860. One of a few Haun pitchers known and the only documented example featuring this wonderful, highly-stylized form. Possibly Haun's most artistic pitcher in existence, this work highlights this potter's flair for the dramatic, showcasing his abilities as both a potter and decorator. Provenance: Originally purchased in Sneedville, Hancock County, TN. Exhibited: 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, fig. 48, p. 55, p. 84, pl. 6, p. 196, fig. 48, and p. 229, pl. 6. H 8 1/4".

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Rare Redware Jug with Profuse Copper Slip Decoration, attributed to Christopher Alexander Haun, Greene County, TN, circa 1840-1860. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., March 5, 2011, lot 13. Exhibited: Tennessee Turned, Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900, Museum of East Tennessee History, May 16-October 30, 2011. H 9".

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Ceramic Folk Sculpture. Exceedingly Rare Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware "Cairo Hum Bug" Flask, attributed to Anna Pottery, Anna, IL, circa 1875.

This work was made by French-born potter, Jacob Bachley, while working at Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick's Anna Pottery in Anna, Illinois, prior to the establishment of his Texarkana Pottery in Texarkana, AR. Known as "Hum Bug Jake," Bachley likely made this humorous work in homage to his nickname. The words, "hum BUG," incised on one wing can either read as Bachley's signature or as a moniker describing his creation. The word, "Cairo," pokes fun at the Alexander County, Illinois city of Cairo, as seen on various pieces made by the Kirkpatrick brothers. A second surviving example bearing Bachley's signature leads to a firm attribution to his hand. One of a very few flasks of this type known, significant for its wonderful folk art appeal and material connection of Bachley to Anna Pottery. Provenance: From a long-term Illinois collection consigned to this auction. L 6 1/2".

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Very Rare Manganese-Decorated Stoneware Rustic Flowerpot with Base, attributed to Jacob Bachley, Texarkana Pottery, Texarkana, AR, circa 1880. The distinctive color of the clay and slip leads to a strong attribution to the Anna-influenced, French-born potter, Jacob Bachley, at his Texarkana Pottery. H 13" ; W (including handles) 13".

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Fine Anna Pottery Stoneware Frog Inkwell, Inscribed "Anna Pottery / 1876," Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, 1876. Provenance: From a long-term Illinois collection consigned to this auction. H 3 3/4".

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Fine Anna Pottery Albany-Slip-Glazed Stoneware "Railroad and River Guide" Pig Flask, Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1875. Provenance: From a long-term Illinois collection consigned to this auction. L 7 1/2".

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Rare and Fine Anna Pottery Salt-Glazed Stoneware Pig Flask with Black Hills Inscription, Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, circa 1880. Provenance: From a long-term Illinois collection consigned to this auction. L 6 3/4".

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Fine Salt-Glazed Stoneware "Railroad and River Guide" Pig Flask, Signed and Dated "By Anna Pottery / 1881," Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, IL, 1881. Provenance: A recently-discovered example, which descended in an Ohio family. L 7".

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Rare Slip-Decorated Redware Spaniel, Galena, IL origin, second half 19th century. A prized Galena form featuring outstanding color and condition. Provenance: From a long-term Illinois collection consigned to this auction. H 9".

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Glaze and Size. Exceptional Small-Sized Redware Moon Jug, Galena, IL origin, second half 19th century. Possibly the finest example of Galena redware that we have ever offered, this diminutive moon jug includes rare slip decoration to the handle and spout. Provenance: From a long-term Illinois collection consigned to this auction. H 6 1/4".

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Exceptional Slip-Decorated Redware Canning Jar, Galena, IL origin, second half 19th century. Visually stunning slip treatment, extremely rare for this maker. Provenance: From a long-term Illinois collection consigned to this auction. H 8 3/4".

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Rare Six-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Horse Head Decoration, Ohio origin, circa 1875. H 13 1/2".

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A Potter and an Abolitionist. Extremely Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Large Cobalt Floral Decoration, Incised "John S. Clemmer / Mogadore Summit Co / Ohio", mid 19th century.

This jug was made and signed by documented abolitionist and potter, John S. Clemmer (1825-1875). Clemmer, along with his wife, Maria, operated an Underground Railroad safehouse for slaves of the Ohio River Valley. In 1861, Clemmer joined the Ninth Ohio Volunteers and suffered a serious injury on June 9, 1862 at the Battle of Port Republic, Virginia. The jug's decoration includes an unusual incised design of a pointing hand below Clemmer's inscription. Literature: Snodgrass, The Underground Railroad: An Encyclopedia of People, Places, and Operations, Routledge, London and New York, 2015. Provenance: Crocker Farm, Inc., July 16, 2016, lot 342. H 15 3/4".

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Rare Small-Sized Redware Jar with Elaborate Manganese Slip Decoration, attributed to David Mandeville, Circleville, NY, circa 1830. H (excluding lid) 5 3/4".

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Decoration, Size, and Form. Outstanding Small-Sized Spouted Stoneware Presentation Jar with Cobalt Chicken and Bird-on-Stump Motifs, Stamped "MATHEWS / 1884," attributed to Brady & Ryan, Ellenville, NY, 1884.

The form and size of this vessel are extremely rare as is its depiction of two different birds on opposing sides. The style of these motifs lead to a solid attribution to the firm of Samuel Brady and John J. Ryan of Ellenville, NY. The jar's highly unusual spouted form may have served to pour batter or perhaps, like a milkpan, to pour cream off the top of resting milk. We are aware of only one other piece of this combined form, size, and decoration, which sold in Crocker Farm, Inc.'s July 11, 2009 auction, lot 19. It bore the impressed inscription, "VANCORTLANDT / 1884," and was presumably made for New York State's Vancortlandt family of wealthy landowners and politicians. Provenance: Recently surfaced in Florida. H 5 3/8" ; Diam. (at rim) 5 1/2".

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Exceptional Two-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Fish Decoration, Stamped "H.M. WHITMAN / HAVANA, NY," circa 1860-1862. The rigorous application of the slip on this example gives a sense of motion to the design. An unusually clean piece, exhibiting crisp, enamel-like slip-trailing, even glazing, and superb color. One of only two Havana fish-decorated pieces that we have ever offered. Provenance: Purchased by the consignor from Joel and Betty Schatzberg in the late 1980s. H 8 3/4".

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Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Deer Scene, Stamped "WHITE'S UTICA.," NY State origin, circa 1865. Relatively few deer decorations from this pottery are known. Provenance: Cathy Treffeisen Collection. H 14".

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Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Crock with Cobalt Seated Dog Decoration, Stamped "J.A. & C.W. UNDERWOOD, / FORT EDWARD, N.Y.," circa 1865-1867. Provenance: Denlinger Auctions, Bennington, VT; Cathy Treffeisen Collection. H 11".

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Fine Four-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Cobalt Gamebird Decoration, Stamped "J. BURGER JR. / ROCHESTER.N.Y.," circa 1885. H (excluding lid) 16 1/4".

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Fine Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "F. STETZENMEYER. / ROCHESTER.N.Y.," circa 1855. H 15 1/2".

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Exceptional Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Bird and Floral Decorations, Stamped "W.H. FARRAR & CO. / GEDDES, N.Y.," circa 1850. Provenance: Cathy Treffeisen Collection. H 12" ; W (at rim) 12 1/4".

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Scarce Three-Gallon NH Stoneware Advertising Jar with Cobalt Pheasant Scene, attributed to J. & E. Norton, Bennington, VT, circa 1855. Provenance: Cathy Treffeisen Collection. H 13 1/2".

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Rare and Fine Manganese-Glazed Redware Pitcher with Applied Floral Decoration, Inscribed "Anthony / W. Bacher / 1878," Winchester, VA origin. A refined example of Shenandoah Valley redware showcasing Bacher's exquisite potting and applied decorative treatment. Provenance: A recently-surfaced example. H 8 3/8".

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Rare One-and-a-Half-Gallon Stoneware Pitcher with Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "KEESEE & PARR / RICHMOND, / VA.," circa 1860. Provenance: Herb and Carol Hausmann Collection. H 12".

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Exceedingly Rare Small-Sized Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware "Buggy" Jug, James River Valley of VA origin, second quarter 19th century. Thrown in exceptionally small size, this wonderfully shaped jug is the first of its kind that we have seen in James River Valley of Virginia production. Its distinctive shape kept it from tipping while being used on a ship or carriage. Provenance: Herb and Carol Hausmann Collection. H 5" ; Diam. (of base) 5 1/8".

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Scarce and Fine Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Man-in-the-Moon Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG :PA," circa 1865. Provenance: Herb and Carol Hausmann Collection. H 13".

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Fine One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Slip-Trailed Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG .PA," circa 1865. Provenance: Eleanor C. Stipp Collection (includes red Stipp Collection labels on reverse and underside); Herb and Carol Hausmann Collection. H 9 7/8".

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Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Floral Decoration, Stamped "WILLSON'S & YOUNG. / HARRISBURG PA," circa 1855. Provenance: Herb and Carol Hausmann Collection. H 11 1/2".

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Capitol Stamp. Extremely Rare One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Floral Decoration and Impressed Capitol Building, Stamped "T.H. WILLSON & CO. / HARRISBURG, PA", circa 1852.

Considered among the most decorative 19th century American stoneware maker's marks known, the T.H. Willson "capitol stamp" is rarely seen, achieving an icon status among Central Pennsylvania stoneware enthusiasts. The building represented on this jar is known as the Hills Capitol, which was destroyed by fire in 1897. Attesting to its rarity, this jar is only the second example bearing this mark that we have offered. Provenance: Herb and Carol Hausmann Collection. H 9 1/4".

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Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Bird Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG .PA," circa 1865. Provenance: Herb and Carol Hausmann Collection. H 9 3/4".

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Rare Two-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Cobalt Bird-on-Stump Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX. / HARRISBURG .PA," circa 1865. Provenance: Herb and Carol Hausmann Collection. H 11 1/2."

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Two-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Cobalt Grapes Decoration, Stamped "COWDEN & WILCOX / HARRISBURG .PA," circa 1865. Provenance: Herb and Carol Hausmann Collection. H 14".

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Important Southern Bank. Exceedingly Rare Stoneware South Carolina Dispensary Bank with Sponged Cobalt and Palmetto Tree Decoration, Marked "S C / DISPENSARY," "A B, P," and "C.S." with Star, American, circa 1893-1907.

The South Carolina Dispensary system required the state's citizens to purchase their liquor only through state-run facilities. This failed experiment lasted from 1893 to 1907 and continued in some counties until 1916. While alkaline-glazed jugs and white-glazed shoulder jugs with "S C DISPENSARY" logos are known, this is the first bank that we are aware of.

This highly decorative piece clearly extends beyond the utilitarian. The existence of a few salt-glazed stoneware "CONFEDERATE RELIEF FUND" banks made by Charles Hartung in Baltimore in 1885, suggests that this bank, marked "C.S." flanking a star for Confederate States, was also made to raise money for poverty-stricken Confederate veterans. We have yet to determine the meaning of the initials, "A B, P," although they likely refer to a specific organization heading a Confederate veteran fundraiser, the bank's owner, or even the pottery at which the bank was made. Arguably the finest example of South Carolina Dispensary stoneware known as well as the most historically significant. H 6".

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Rare and Fine Six-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Iron Slip Decoration, Stamped "TRAPP.& / CHANDLER," Reverend John Trapp and Thomas Chandler, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1848-1850. Only the third marked Trapp & Chandler piece that we have offered, this recently surfaced work survives in exemplary condition and is the first example that we have seen with a decorative slip border around the stamp. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, which descended in a Southern family.

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Outstanding Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Two-Color-Slip Floral Decoration, attributed to the Collin Rhodes Pottery, Shaw's Creek, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1850. Provenance: From a fifty-year SC collection. H 15".

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Triple Stamping. Exceptional Triply-Stamped Stoneware Jug with Alkaline Glaze, attributed to Pottersville Stoneware Manufactory, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1825. Base impressed with diagonal I, inverted V, and cross-within-circle stamps. Among the finest two-toned Pottersville pieces that we have ever offered, distinguished by its highly unusual multiple stamps to the base. Provenance: From a fifty-year SC collection. H 10 1/4".

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Very Rare Small-Sized Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug, Impressed "P" Five Times, Edgefield District, SC origin, possibly Pottersville Stoneware Manufactory or John Presley, Martintown Road Pottery, Kirksey's Crossroads, circa 1825-1840.

In her Great and Noble Jar, Cinda K. Baldwin notes that "[t]he earliest direct reference to a stoneware factory in the [Kirksey's Crossroads] area is an 1840 advertisement in which John Presley offered the following property for sale: the Plantation on which he now resides, about eighteen miles above Edgefield C. House and one and a half miles southwest of Mr. Williams' Steam Saw Mill. Also his stone ware manufactory with excellent furnace and everything necessary to carry on the Stone ware business, all in good order" (Baldwin, p. 49). According to Baldwin, the site was purchased in 1841 by Reverend John Trapp, a future partner of Thomas Chandler (Baldwin, p. 50). A jar sold in Crocker Farm, Inc.'s Spring 2021 auction, lot 62, and illustrated on page 50 of Baldwin, bears a different glaze and P stamp, and is attributed by Baldwin to Presley. The jug in this auction exhibits fine potting and color perhaps more reminiscent of earlier Pottersville stoneware. Provenance: Richard and Cindy Pearce Collection. H 11 1/4".

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Extremely Rare Small-Sized Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jug with Incised Initial, Edgefield District, SC origin, circa 1825. This jug is reportedly one of only two jugs potted and inscribed in the manner. Its curious incised marking at the shoulder likely does not read "3," which would typically denote the capacity of the vessel, as the jug measures one gallon or less. Instead, the marking, likely a sideways script "m," probably refers to the jug's maker. The vessel's distinctive spout and handle treatments and thin-walled construction indicate a skilled craftsman with an artistic flair. The discovery of other examples may one day give an identity to this figure. Provenance: From a fifty-year SC collection. H 10 1/2".

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Rare and Fine Five-Gallon Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar, attributed to Harry at Pottersville Stoneware Manufactory, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1830s-early 1840s. The attribution to this potter lies in the jar's distinctive flattened rim and handles. These characteristics, along with the jar's glaze, closely relate it to those exhibited on a jar signed "Harry," sold in Crocker Farm, Inc.'s Spring 2021 auction, lot 53. The base of the jar is incised with two slash marks. A horizontal handprint appears at the base as well, presumably created by Harry, depressed into the soft clay when the jar was removed from the wheel. Provenance: From a fifty-year SC collection. H 15".

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Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar with Kaolin Slip Decoration, Stamped "CHANDLER," Thomas Chandler, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1850. Impressed at the shoulder with a rare Thomas Chandler maker's mark variant, reading simply "CHANDLER," as opposed to the typical "CHANDLER / MAKER" for which this potter is commonly known. This jar is the first piece marked in this manner that we have offered. Provenance: From a fifty-year SC collection. H 14 1/2".

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Rare Four-Handled Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Jar with Iron Slip Foliate Decoration, attributed to Thomas Chandler, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1845. Exceptional size, measuring roughly ten to twelve gallons, featuring the region's coveted four-handled form. Provenance: From a fifty-year SC collection.

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Scarce Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Handled Jar with Kaolin Slip Decoration, attributed to the Collin Rhodes Pottery, Shaw's Creek, Edgefield District, SC, circa 1850. Provenance: From a fifty-year SC collection. H 7".

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Extremely Rare Small-Sized Redware Cream Pitcher with Cream-Slip Floral Decoration, attributed to the Mottern Pottery, Carter County, TN, circa 1870-1890. This redware piece appears to have nearly reached a vitrifying stoneware temperature in the firing, resulting in a dark gray coloration to the vessel's unglazed bottom. The only Mottern pitcher that we have ever offered, this work features outstanding size and strong decoration in the pottery's distinctive slip-trailed style. H 4 7/8".

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Extremely Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Flask, TX origin, probably Jefferson S. Nash Pottery, Marion County, TX, circa 1850-1860. This wide-bodied flask features distinctive maroon highlights over a blackish-brown ground, coloration most commonly associated with pieces produced at the pottery of Georgia-born entrepreneur, Jefferson S. Nash. Though a small number of ring flasks from his pottery are known, this flask is the only example of this specific form produced in Texas that we are aware of. H 5 1/2".

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Southern Icon. Rare and Fine Small-Sized Stoneware Face Jug with Kaolin Eyes and Teeth, Edgefield District, SC, origin, third quarter 19th century. A particularly fine example of this prized South Carolina form, this face jug, and others by this same, anonymous maker, are distinguished by their small size, bold facial expressions, and delicate application of the facial features. While other face jugs from this region appear more hastily executed, jugs by this maker appear more refined, finished, and symmetrical. Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, which descended in a New England family to its current owner. H 4 3/4".

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Kentucky Masterwork. Extremely Rare Ten-Gallon Salt-Glazed Stoneware Churn with Applied Rooster Decoration, Stamped "P.A. HUFFMAN," Philip A. Huffman, Madison County, KY origin, circa 1850. As Huffman's stoneware lacks cobalt decoration and this stately churn is the only example featuring a decorative motif of any kind, it can be regarded as a masterwork by this potter and possibly his finest vessel known. Literature: For more information on Huffman, see Noe, "Research Note: Nineteenth-Century Stoneware Makers of Madison County, Kentucky," Journal of Early Southern Decorative Arts, Vol. 42-43, 2021-2022. H 21".

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Southern Spots. Very Rare and Fine Diminutive Glazed Redware Bowl with Profuse Two-Color-Slip Spot Decoration, attributed to Solomon Loy, Alamance County, NC circa 1825-1840. Featuring exceptional size and condition, this work is also distinguished by the methodical alternating application of its slip decoration. This form is lesser-seen, deep-welled bowl, different than the typical dirt dishes of the region. Diam. 5 1/2" ; H 1 5/8".

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Symmetrical Spots. Fine and Very Rare Diminutive Glazed Redware Dish with Two-Color-Slip Spot Decoration, attributed to Solomon Loy, Alamance County, NC, circa 1825-1840. Featuring exceptional size and condition, this work is also distinguished by the methodical, alternating application of its slip decoration. Diam. 5 7/8" ; H 1 1/8".

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Glazed Redware Dish with Spattered Three-Color Slip Decoration, attr. to Solomon Loy, Alamance Co., NC, circa 1825-1840. Diam. 8 3/4" ; H 1 5/8".

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Glazed Redware Dish with Two-Color-Slip Decoration, Alamance County, NC origin, circa 1820-1850. Diam. 8 5/8" ; H 1 5/8".

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Important Remmey Family Discovery. Exceedingly Rare Large-Sized Stoneware Presentation Pitcher with Cobalt Floral Decoration with Elaborate Inscriptions, Signed and Dated "J.B. Remmey & Co. / July 20 1880," North East, MD origin, 1880.

This wonderful pitcher is incised on the collar, "C S Perkins / Point Pleasant Farm / Cecil Co / MD." as well as on the underside with the inscription, "Handle With Care / This Pitcher is made of / 1/2 Charlestown Clay 1/2 C S Perkins / Clay / July 20 1880 / By J B Remmey & Co." This recently surfaced work was made by Joseph B. Remmey, grandson of Henry Remmey, Sr. and nephew of Henry Harrison Remmey, these two latter Remmeys both well-known as transformative figures in the history of Mid-Atlantic stoneware production for their key roles in the Baltimore and Philadelphia stoneware crafts. While Joseph B. Remmey has received some attention in modern scholarship—perhaps most notably as the producer of a famous bank made in Chester County, PA and pictured in Arthur E. James' The Potters and Potteries of Chester County, Pennsylvania (p. 75)—his story as a Maryland stoneware manufacturer has previously been obscured by the lack of a single signed example from his time in Cecil County. This important object documents a time when Remmey, then about 51 years old, was striking out on his own after a life of itinerancy. Previously a potter in Philadelphia (his city of birth), Baltimore, and Richmond, Remmey came to North East in 1869 to work as a firebrick manufacturer, a topic taken up in James Koterski's Potters and Firebrick Makers of Cecil County, Maryland, and Nearby ... (see pp. 43-51, 76). As Koterski notes, in 1879, Remmey went into partnership with a local brickmason named Hiram Shallcross to begin making stoneware in the southern part of the town of North East, at the head of the Chesapeake Bay. In 1882, Remmey dissolved this partnership and operated the pottery on his own, a surviving envelope from the enterprise pictured on page 48 of Koterski displaying the trade name "Remmey's North East Pottery." While Remmey soon began having financial difficulties he continued to pot in North East into the 1890's, when he essentially returned to a life of itinerancy. He died in 1908 in Red Lion, Delaware.

Interestingly, Remmey appears to have been keenly interested in experimenting with different clay mixtures and was probably valued for his skill in this area by the various potteries for which he worked over the years. This pitcher notes on its bottom a specific mixture of clay acquired in nearby Charlestown, Maryland, and at C. S. Perkins' local Point Pleasant Farm. Charles S. Perkins is listed in the 1880 federal census as a 60-year-old farmer living in North East with his wife, Susan. Remmey went out of his way to fashion this pitcher specifically for the farmer, as a household vessel wrought from the clay dug from his own farmland. The resultant product from this experimental clay composition is a piece with a tannish color, light salt glaze to the lower body, minimal to no salt glaze elsewhere, and matte cobalt slip decoration. Interestingly, Koterski notes a clay mining project undertaken by Remmey just a few months prior, in March 1880, to excavate on the property of another local farmer named William Hunt (p. 48); a newly discovered 1890 item in a Cecil County newspaper references a kaolin mine "under the management of J. B. Remmy of North East, a very energetic and competent foreman" (The [Rising Sun, MD] Midland Journal, January 24, 1890).

A remarkable aspect of this work is its striking similarity in form and decoration to pieces produced at the Philadelphia potteries of relatives, Henry Harrison Remmey (his uncle) and Richard Clinton Remmey (his cousin), offering the possibility that some so-called Philadelphia stoneware may have actually been produced in Cecil County, Maryland. The wonderful inscriptions including the name of the pitcher's owner and property, the clay involved, its maker, date of manufacture, and the appealing maxim, "Handle with Care," define this work as the finest known example of Maryland stoneware made outside of Baltimore City. H 14".

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Rare and Important One-Gallon Salt-Glazed Stoneware Jar, Stamped "H. WILSON & CO.," Guadalupe County, TX origin, circa 1869-1884.

This jar was produced at the historically significant shop of free African-American potter, Hiram Wilson. Wilson is regarded as the first African-American business owner in the state of Texas, establishing his pottery in 1869 with two other freed slaves, James Wilson and Wallace Wilson, who had all taken the surname of their former master. This operation ended with Hiram Wilson's death in 1884. Literature: For more information on Wilson Pottery, see Brown, "The Wilson Potters: An African-American Enterprise in 19th-Century Texas" in Texas Clay: 19th-Century Stoneware Pottery from the Bayou Bend Collection, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, p. 49-67; see also Urist, "Three Formerly Enslaved Artists Created Beautiful Pottery 150 Years Ago, and Now Their Wares Are Coveted Around the World," Smithsonian Magazine, June 2025; Provenance: A fresh-to-the-market example, purchased by the consignor at a yard sale near Marion, Texas. H 9 1/2".

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Shenandoah Valley Regional Rarity. Important Small-Sized Redware Jug with Manganese Glaze, Stamped "MRS, HEART. & CO PA," Kate Heart Pottery, Chambersburg, PA, circa 1870-1872.

This jug is impressed with the maker's mark of the widow of J. Milton Heart, son of the more well-known redware potter Jacob Heart. Based on information in William S. Bowers, Craftsmen of Franklin County, Penna.: 1784-1884 (pp. 196-199), J. Milton Heart took up the mantle of his father in the wake of his 1865 death. J. Milton Heart appears in the 1870 federal census as a potter in Chambersburg with his wife, "Catherine" (given as "Kate" in more official documents) and three children, yet shortly after this census was taken (in June of that year) he died at the age of 38. By the following September, his widow, Kate, was advertising that she was operating "The Old Pottery" in partnership with local potter, David Croft. Since according to Bowers the pottery was sold in 1872, it is apparent that for some brief period between 1870 and 1872, Kate Heart was operating the shop under the name of "Mrs. Heart & Co." and having the ware stamped as such. This jug, possibly thrown by Heart herself, serves as an historically significant work of Shenandoah Valley regional ware, highlighting the role of women as entrepreneurs in 19th century America. Only a few pieces bearing her stamp are known. H 5 7/8".

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Very Rare Albany-Slip-Decorated Stoneware Face Jug, attributed to Charles P. Ferguson, Barrow County, GA, circa 1880-1890. Literature: For related examples, see Burrison, Brothers in Clay: The Story of Georgia Folk Pottery, pp. 74, 75, and 227. Provenance: A recently-surfaced example, which descended in the family of the consignor. H 8".

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Open-Handled Stoneware Jar with Impressed Drape-and-Tassel Decoration, Stamped "COMMERAW.S / STONEWARE," Thomas Commeraw, Coerlears Hook, Manhattan, NY, circa 1815. Provenance: Found in a home in the Creeds area of Virginia Beach, Princess Anne County, Virginia. The elderly woman who previously owned it was 87 years old in 2025. A photo found inside the crock (not included with this lot) reads, "Great Grandfather Found this on Abanted [Abandoned] Ship." H 12 3/8" ; Diam. (at rim) 9 7/8".

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Rare and Fine One-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Impressed Decoration, Stamped "LIBERTY.FOR.EV," Thomas Warne and Joshua Letts, South Amboy, NJ, early 19th century. Provenance: Ex-W. Oakley Raymond Collection (includes his collection stickers on underside); later acquired by the consignor's grandparents, early American antiques collectors from Piscataway, NJ. H 9 1/2".

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Extremely Rare Cobalt-Decorated Stoneware Charger with Relief Coat of Arms, Inscribed "Pennypacker= Philadelphia 1898," attributed to the Wingender Pottery, Haddonfield, NJ, 1898. Diam. 16".

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Exceptional Six-Gallon Stoneware Churn with Elaborate Paddletail Bird Decoration, Stamped "N.A. WHITE & SON, / UTICA, N.Y.," circa 1885. H 18".

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☆ THE FRANK W. WHITE COLLECTION OF MEADERS POTTERY. Crocker Farm is pleased to present the collection of noted Meaders Pottery enthusiast, Frank W. White, of Atlanta, Georgia. White's attuned eye focused on fine early works by Lanier, Cheever, and Arie Meaders, dating from the 1950 to early 1970s--the zenith of production for this legendary Southern potting family. Amassed from the 1990s until his passing in 2020, White's Collection totals over seventy lots in our Spring sale, and ranks among the greatest assemblages of Meaders pottery ever to come to auction. (To learn more about Frank White and his collection, click here.) ☆

Mother and Son Collaborative Work. Exceedingly Rare and Important Early-Period Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug with Rock Eyes and Black Slip Decoration, Signed "L.M.," Lanier and Arie Meaders, Cleveland, GA origin, circa late 1960s. While the thrown and modeled face jug is Lanier's creation, showing the influence of his father, Cheever, in its large rock eyes, its slip decoration was likely applied by his mother, Arie, who used matching brushwork on her own face jugs. Although a number of vases and other forms have been documented as made by Cheever and Arie working together, this collaboration between mother and son is more unusual. Indeed, this face jug is the first of its kind that we have seen combining the efforts of both of these Meaders family members. Its early period of manufacture, highly-prized rock eye treatment and exceedingly rare slip decoration, place it among the very best face jugs known by any member of this illustrious Southern potting dynasty. Provenance: Brunk Auctions, Asheville, NC, January 6, 2007; Frank W. White Collection. H 9".

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Arie Meaders Masterpiece. Outstanding and Important Large-Sized Stoneware Vase with Exuberant Multi-Colored Slip Bird-and-Stump Decoration, attributed to Arie Meaders, Cleveland, GA, circa 1956-1969. Among Arie Meaders's finest creations known, this work is distinguished by the size, detail, subject matter, and color of the design. We can find no record of another Meaders family vase of this quality coming to auction. Exhibited: "Georgia Potters: Then and Now," Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, Madison, GA, April 25-July 5, 2006, illustrated on the cover of the exhibit brochure. Provenance: Frank W. White Collection. H 13 3/4".

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Very Rare Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Wig Stand, Signed "Lanier Meaders," Cleveland, GA, circa 1970s-1980s. Among Meaders's rarest forms, this lot is the first wig stand by this potter that we have ever offered. Provenance: Daryl Barksdale; Frank W. White Collection. H 12 1/8".

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Extremely Rare Stoneware Vase with Multi-Colored Slip Palm Tree Motif, Signed "MEADERS," Arie Meaders, Cleveland, GA, circa 1956-1969. The only Arie Meaders vase that we have seen featuring this decoration. Underside with rare style of signature, applied in blue slip, reading simply "MEADERS." Provenance: Frank W. White Collection. H 9 3/8".

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Rare Glazed Stoneware Rooster with Blue Slip Decoration, Signed, "AM," Arie Meaders, Cleveland, GA, circa 1956-1969. Provenance: Frank W. White Collection. H 11 1/2".

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Rare and Fine Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug with China Plate Teeth, Signed "Lanier Meaders," Cleveland, GA origin, circa early 1970s. Meaders's face jugs produced with china plate teeth are among his rarest and most desirable examples of this form. Only the second such piece that we have offered, the other having sold in our Summer 2021 auction, lot 383. Literature: For a related jug, see Crocker and Crouch, Jr., The Folk Pottery of Cheever, Arie, and Lanier Meaders: A Pictorial Legacy, front cover. Provenance: Frank W. White Collection. H 9 3/4".

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Rare Early-Period Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Vase with Three-Color-Slip Hummingbird Decoration, Signed "Lanier Meaders," Cleveland, GA origin, circa 1960s. Underside incised with Lanier Meaders signature. A rarely early work by Lanier with desirable subject matter, possibly decorated by Arie or with her influence. Provenance: Frank W. White Collection. H 13".

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Very Rare Glazed Stoneware Vase with Two-Color-Slip Flowering Vine Decoration, Signed "ChEEVER / MEADERS / NOV. 30 / 1962," Cleveland, GA, 1962. Provenance: Frank W. White Collection. H 9 1/4".

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Important and Very Rare Early-Period Stoneware Face Jug with Rock Eyes and Alkaline Glaze, attributed to Lanier Meaders, Cleveland, GA, circa late 1960s. Provenance: Brunk Auctions, Asheville, NC, January 6, 2007; Frank W. White Collection. H 8 3/4".

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Scarce Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Figure of a Quail with Cobalt Slip Decoration, Signed "AM," Arie Meaders, Cleveland, GA, circa 1956-1969. Provenance: Frank W. White Collection. H 7 1/2".

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Scarce Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Figure of a Quail with Brown Slip Decoration, attributed to Arie Meaders, Cleveland, GA, circa 1956-1969. Provenance: Frank W. White Collection. H 7 1/8".

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Very Rare Early-Period Alkaline-Glazed Stoneware Face Jug, Signed "LM," Lanier Meaders, Cleveland, GA, circa 1960s. This jug's initialed signature, style of glaze, and reductive modeling omitting ears and teeth, all date this work to Meaders's formative years of face jug production. Relatively few examples from this time period are known. Provenance: Frank W. White Collection. H 8 1/4".

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