An Important 19th Century Stoneware Jug that is Scheduled to Sell this Summer

Earlier this week, I took a look at the featured lots that are already listed for Crocker Farm's upcoming July sale in Sparks, Maryland - and, I noticed an early-nineteenth-century stoneware jug that is attributed to the northeastern states during the early-nineteenth-century. The crock is decorated with what Crocker Farm describes as "...One of the largest and most detailed incised eagles that we have ever offered. Including light cobalt and iron slip highlights to the wings and body, the eagle presents a most unusual Federal shield emblazoned with stars throughout. The imposing image measures eight-and-one-half-inches tall, and seventeen-inches long in curved distance between the wings, which nearly meet on the reverse side of the jug."

The detail of this bird is worth comparing to another nineteenth-century stoneware jug, which was also decorated with an incised eagle. That jug sold at Pook and Pook in Downington, Pennsylvania in 2012 for $402,900. Ideally, it is one of the most iconic examples of nineteenth-century American-made stoneware that survives today. The jug is inscribed by its maker, 'MADE / BY / A. STEDMAN,' which stands for Absalom Stedman, who was a potter in New Haven, Connecticut in the 1800's.

The jug that sold through Pook and Pook is also accompanied with a strong history having been displayed at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia in 1975 - and, it is also formerly apart of the Preston Bassett Collection. The jug is also tied to antique dealers, Barry Cohen, David Schorsch and Fred Giampietro.

Personally, I feel it is difficult to definitively say where the jug was exactly made that Crocker Farm has been consigned for this summer's upcoming sale; although, comparable incised eagle designs have been tied to New York City, Albany, New York and Connecticut in the 1800's.

Nevertheless, I thought the comparison seen in the decoration on the following two jugs could be an interesting study, between two potters, who chose to prominently decorate a jug with the same bird before 1830.

Crocker Farm Jug

19th Century Stoneware Jug Decorated with an Incised Eagle - Likely Made in the Northeast

Circa 1800-1820

Stands 16 1/2" Tall

Will Sell at Crocker Farm in Maryland in July 2016

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

Another View of the Incised Eagle

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

Another View of the Incised Eagle

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

Another View of the Incised Eagle

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

Another View of the Incised Eagle

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

Another View of the Incised Eagle

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

Pook and Pook Jug

19th Century Stoneware Jug Made by Absalom Stedman - New Haven, CT

Circa 1825-1830

Stands 19 1/4" Tall

Sold for $402,900 in 2012

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook - Downington, PA

Another View of the Incised Decoration

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook - Downington, PA

Another View of the Incised Decoration

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook - Downington, PA

Another View of the Incised Decoration

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook - Downington, PA

Another View of the Incised Decoration

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook - Downington, PA

Another View of the Incised Decoration

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook - Downington, PA

Another View of the Incised Decoration

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook - Downington, PA

View of the Potter's Inscribed Signature 'MADE / BY / A. STEDMAN'

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook - Downington, PA

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...