An Important Handled Stoneware Flask that Showed Up in a Group Lot in Connecticut in 2004

I thought this would be a good story to share - seeing that it has been almost twenty years since this handled flask sold twice, and not everyone reading this post may know the chain of events that happened before this important stoneware object was acquired by Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia.

Nonetheless, the history of this rare eighteenth century stoneware flask attributed to Manhattan is unknown to me before it sold in a group lot at Nadeau's Auction Gallery in Windsor, Connecticut on October 2, 2004. Although, its history after that auction is rather well documented, where it was purchased at the sale by Leslie Keno and then cosigned to Sotheby's in New York City.

According to the auction record from Sotheby's, "Archaeologist and scholar Meta Janowitz examined photographs of this flask and she feels this may be an early example from the Crolius/Remmey group of potters who worked in Lower Manhattan at Potts-Baker Hill from circa 1720-1820. Unmarked vessels attributable to the first two generations of these potters, who were trained in the Rhineland in Germany are very scare."

The handled flask was then acquired by Colonial Williamsburg, which is where it resides today.

Note: The red earthenware mug that sold in the group lot (shown to the left) appears to be the same one that just sold in David Good's Collection at New Haven Auctions in Branford, Connecticut.

An Important Handled Stoneware Flask from Manhattan

(Middle) 18th Century Stoneware Flask that Sold in a Group Lot in Connecticut in 2004

The Lot was Purchased by Leslie Keno

(Left) 18th or Early 19th Century New England Red Earthenware Mug

This Appears to be the Same Mug that Just Sold in David Good's Collection at New Haven Auctions

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Nadeau's Auction Gallery

The Flask was then Consigned to Sotheby's in New York City

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Sotheby's

18th Century Stoneware Flask Attributed to the Crolius/Remmey Families in Manhattan

Each Side is Decorated with an Incised Heart Enclosing a Bird

Circa 1780

Stands 6 3/4" Tall

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Photo Courtesy: Colonial Williamsburg

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