Archive for the ‘crock’ Category

Stoneware & cobalt slip jug, c.1870

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

American 1-1/2 gallon stoneware jug has an incised maker’s stamp at the top with cobalt overglaze which reads “E & L P NORTON, BENNINGTON VT”, indicating that it was made by Edward and Luman Preston Norton (1861-1881)

Jug, measuring 11-1/2″ high, has a traditional floral decoration rendered in cobalt slip

When the jug was dropped sometime in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s, the cracks on the side of the jug were reinforced by a pair of iron straps

Thanks to Hugh R Fox for providing information on the potter

Large stoneware crock, c.1890

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

When I found this large and very heavy American stoneware pottery wine jug in Maine, I was unable to pack it properly and take it with me on my flight back home later that day. Luckily, one of the friends I was visiting was a pilot and simply brought it on board his flight to New York the next day. The triangular remains of the broken clay handle leaves a distinctive maker’s mark

It would have been awkward to lift this 18-1/2″ tall jug with the absence of its handle, especially when full of wine. Rather than trying to replace the broken handle, a sturdy iron band with swing handle was attached to the jug

A close up of the iron strap and handle shows the work of the local ironsmith who made this East coast jug more functional

The small hole at the bottom is where a wooden spigot would have been inserted to dispense the wine

A similar jug shows what the applied handle would have looked like

Photo courtesy of Prock’s Crocks

American stoneware crock, c.1880

Sunday, April 4th, 2010

Another favorite of mine, purchased from the same collector who graciously sold me the set of five Lambeth jugs. This 11-1/4″ high stoneware crock, most likely from New England, has an incised “4” to indicate it has a capacity of four gallons and is decorated in a cobalt slip abstract floral design.

This beauty also sports one of the most unusual repairs I have seen, as the large cracks are held tightly together with woven willow.

I was destined to own this piece, as a hand painted letter “B” (the first letter of my last name) appears on the reverse side of the crock.

Stoneware bean pot, c.1880

Monday, March 15th, 2010

American brown glazed stoneware bean pot with lid, measures 5-1/2″ high and is 8-1/2″ wide from handle to handle.

A mismatched lid from another piece has been “married” to this pot.

The lid has an incised number “2” on the top right edge.

This was most likely made in Ohio or Pennsylvania in the late 1800’s.

When the single applied stoneware handle broke off, twin metal handles and straps were attached to “improve” upon the original design. The small, lightweight handles are out scale with the heavy pot and have become misshapen from use.

A metal support strap around the top has a bolt and nut to insure a tight fit.

This pot still has its original single handle.

Photo courtesy of Cyber Attic