Foell & Alt 2 Gallon Blue Decorated Stoneware Jug

Circa 1857-1872: One of the more difficult 19th century Southwestern Pennyslvania stoneware pieces to find is work from the East Birmingham firm of Foell and Alt, and this 14" tall two gallon jug with both freehand and stencil decoration is a fantastic example of their output. On page 148 of Big Ware Turners, the seminal volume on Pennsylvania stoneware, author Phil Schaltenbrand illustrates another example of a Foell & Alt jug in the exact same form and size and with the same decoration and light gray coloration and asserts that "the glaze's light color indicates early manufacture, possibly in the 1850s." He also explains that the firm began in 1857 with wares that were marked "East Birmingham" but that after 1872 the mark was changed to "Pittsburgh" because that is when East Birmingham was officially incorporated into Pittsburgh city limits. One of the more unusual features of this jug is its unusual conical spout, and excellent identifying characteristic feature we have only observed on pieces from this firm. The jug is in excellent nearly as fired condition with only a couple minute nicks on the spout and no other human damage. We love the colorful glaze variation and factory manufacturing anomalies that show the forces at work while the piece was being kiln fired at over 2,000 degrees. Early decorated stoneware from Foell & Alt rarely makes it to the open market, and this is a fine specimen. Don't miss your chance to add it to your collection. You'll be happy you did.