Proctor West Virginia 1 Gallon Merchant Jug

Circa 1870s: Likely made by James Hamilton and Company in Greensboro PA, this rare one gallon stencil decorated jug advertises Michael Moore's General Store in Proctor, West Virginia, a small unincorporated town on the Ohio River in Wetzel County. Moore was born in approximately 1828 and passed away in 1909 at over 80 years of age. This jug is in very nice condition with some typical chipping on the spout as photographed, a minor flake on base possibly in the making, and other firing anomalies as made and no cracks or repairs. This is a great example of merchant stoneware that was popular in the towns along the Ohio River in the latter half of the 19th century, serving as a way for various companies to advertise themselves with a utilitarian object that would be used for years to come.