STAMPED "H.SMITH & CO.", ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA DECORATED STONEWARE JAR, salt-glazed, "3" gallon capacity mark, ovoid form with an incised ring below the flared flat-top rim, and slightly arched tab-like handles, partial cut-off lines under base. Brushed cobalt "Alexandria Motif" floral decoration with petals cascading from the central bloom on one side, stamped side with a horizontal foliate spray below five horizontal leaf ornaments, additional cobalt at handle edges. Hugh Smith's (1769-1856) Wilkes Street pottery, Alexandria, VA. Circa 1825-1831. 13 1/8" H, 9 1/8" D rim.
Published: Wilder - Alexandria, Virginia Pottery, p. 112, figs. HS027-HS027b.
Literature: Stamp as ibid, p. 319, Mk V.
Provenance: From the collection of the late Eddie Wilder of Alexandria, Virginia.
Jeffrey S. Evans (T/A Green Valley Auctions), 6/25/05, lot 6.
Ex-collection of Richard and Patricia Ruffner, Alexandria, VA.
Catalogue Note: Very few H. Smith jars are known that feature the style of rim seen on this jar.
Condition
Undamaged except for two outer-rim chips.