B.C. MILBURN / ALEXA (Alexandria, VA) Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar Inscribed "Sample"
Pricing & History
-
Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
- Sold Date
- Source Crocker Farm
Possibly Unique Four-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Brushed Floral Decoration, Inscribed "Sample," Stamped Under Handle "B.C. MILBURN / ALEXA," Alexandria, VA origin, circa 1850, squat-shaped ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, squared rim, and applied tab handles, decorated with brushed slip flowering vine across the front, featuring seven flowers of two varieties. Reverse slip-trailed with the large word "Sample," presumably indicating that this jar was a sample or test piece for the pottery. The color of the decoration and inscription on the jar suggests that the piece's decorator was testing a batch of slip, which was either manganese-based or insufficient in cobalt. This interesting jar is possibly the only example of Alexandria stoneware known with a slip-decorated word, and is revelatory of the processes potters underwent in making salable ware. Provenance: Recently discovered at a yard sale in the Washington, D.C. area. Inverted Y-shaped crack extending from rim on reverse. 2" triangular rim chip on reverse, and a smaller rim chip on interior of rim. Two tight cracks in underside. Small chip to end of one handle. H 13".
Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.
If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.
If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.
If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.