A Striking Cobalt Decorated 4-Gallon 19th Century Stoneware Cooler that Recently Sold in Baldwinsville, New York

This striking four-gallon nineteenth century cobalt decorated stoneware cooler recently sold at Brzostek’s Auction Service, Inc. in Baldwinsville, New York; the cooler was consigned from the personal collection of auctioneer Bernard J. Brzostek. The object is unmarked, although the decoration certainly speaks to the talent of the decorator, being skillfully adorned with a detailed scene, including what appears to be two flowers, vines and a perched bird. 

Furthermore, I had some conversations about this object with a few people two weeks ago, and among the possible names that was suggested for a manufacturer was William H. Farrar (1812-1876) & Company near Syracuse in Geddes, Onondaga County, New York. Farrar worked at this location from the 1840s to the early 1870s, whereas he seems to have been the pioneer potter in Geddes, which was absorbed by Syracuse in 1886. According to the 1855 United States Federal Census, Farrar is cited as owning a stoneware pottery business and employing six workers.

The most prominent example of Farrar's production from Geddes is unquestionably a seven-gallon water cooler made in 1846 that depicts the celebration of the Great National Jubilee of the Order of the Sons of Temperance, an organization founded in New York City in 1842, which is now owned as part of Adam Weitsman's Collection at the New York State Museum in Albany, New York.

Nonetheless, Cottone Auctions in Buffalo, New York sold a nineteenth century five-gallon stoneware crock in 2011 decorated with similar flowers in cobalt, although there are differences, as well. This crock was marked with Farrar's company stamp, selling for $8,500 including the buyer's premium; a related three-gallon jug is currently for sale with Antiques Associates At West Townsend in Massachusetts.

But regardless of the manufacturer, this really is a great object that sold for $7,000 plus the buyer's premium.

Note: For reference, the Farrar family's stoneware production began in Fairfax, Vermont before expanding to Geddes and St. John's, Quebec, Canada.

A Striking Cobalt Decorated 4-Gallon 19th Century Stoneware Cooler

19th Century 4-Gallon Stoneware Cooler Possibly from New York State

Heavily Decorated with Cobalt, Adorned with a Floral Scene and a Bird

Circa 1840s-1860s

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Photo Courtesy: Brzostek’s Auction Service, Inc.

Additional Views of the Cooler

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Photo Courtesy: Brzostek’s Auction Service, Inc.

William Farrar Listed as a Stoneware Pottery Owner in Geddes, New York in 1855

He is Cited as Having 6 Employees

This is from the 1855 United States Federal Census

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19th Century 5-Gallon Stoneware Crock Made in Geddes, New York

Stamped "W.H. Farrar & Co. / Geddes N.Y."

The Flowers on this Crock are Somewhat Similar to the Flowers on the Cooler

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Photo Courtesy: Cottone Auctions

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