R. J. Grier 2 Gallon Stoneware Cake Crock

Circa 1870s: This handsome two gallon cobalt decorated cake crock attributed to Ralph Grier's Mount Jordan Pottery in Oxford, Pennsylvania measures 11.75" in diameter and 13" from handle to handle. Grier purchased the Chester County pottery about 1870 and continued running the family business until 1902, when he sold it to his son. The cake crock is painted front and back with Grier's signature leaf decoration with a two gallon capacity mark stamped under one handle, and the handles are embellished with blue lines similar to that found on pottery made by Philadelphia's Richard J. Remmey, showing the regional influence of decorating technique. Condition is excellent with one minute handle nick, no other chips, cracks, or repairs, and typical firing anomalies. The cobalt is dark and crisp and has excellent contrast against the crock's coloration. This is a fine piece of Southeastern Pennsylvania stoneware in a highly desirable form.