An Incredible 19th Century Stoneware Jug that Recently Sold in Plainville, Connecticut

Many people have already seen this incredible four gallon nineteenth-century stoneware jug that sold on March 27, 2017 at Winter Associates, Inc. in Plainville, Connecticut. Presumably, this is a merchant jug that was marked 'SOLD BY / T.B. MERRICK / HALLOWELL (MAINE).' My limited research has shown that T.B. Merrick dealt in drugs and medicine.

According to WalterGrutchfield.net, "Thomas Belsham Merrick (1813-1902) was born in Hallowell, Maine on April 27, 1813 and died June 13, 1902 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania."

The incised decoration is incredible! The jug is profusely decorated with a wonderfully executed bird, which has been surrounded by plants, flowers and leaves. This is easily a museum quality object that would fit nicely into any major museum's collection. It is also an object that would easily compliment the red earthenware and stoneware already owned by the Maine State Museum in Augusta, Maine. Coincidentally, Hallowell is located only a few miles south of Augusta.

This jug was given an incredibly low pre-auction estimate of $125-$275; although, it eventually sold at the auctioneer's podium for $7,000. But I feel this jug was still a bargain at that price. This is an important piece of stoneware that I feel is a significant piece of Maine's nineteenth-century history.

4 Gallon 19th Century Stoneware Jug with Incredible Incised Decoration

Marked 'SOLD BY / T.B. MERRICK / HALLOWELL (MAINE)'

 Stands 18 1/2" Tall

Sold: $7,000 Before Premiums

Photo Courtesy: Winter Associates, Inc. - Plainville, CT

View of Some of the Incised Decoration

 Photo Courtesy: Winter Associates, Inc. - Plainville, CT

View of the Mark 'SOLD BY / T.B. MERRICK / HALLOWELL (MAINE)'

Photo Courtesy: Winter Associates, Inc. - Plainville, CT

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