Eberly Brothers Shenandoah Valley Redware Spittoon

Circa 1886-1903: Strasburg, Virginia master potters Jacob and Daniel Letcher Eberly developed the multi-color lead, copper, and manganese glaze combination that was splashed over a slip wash which, once fired, produced an attractive polychromatic coloration so popular that even the city''s famous Bell family would imitate it on their own firm's wares. Note that the decorator's handprint is visible on the bottom of the cuspidor, a touchmark symbolizing the creative spirit that brought it into being. This 3"H x 6 7/8"D spittoon is a fine example showcasing the glazing technique that spearheaded the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia's late period production, and its condition is excellent with no cracks or repairs, a minute chip to the drain hole mouth, and some expected minor scattered glaze flakes, which is typical for the region's redware. Provenance: collection of the late Al and Billy Steidel, Alexandria VA.