West Brownsville PA 1 Gallon Stoneware Crock

Circa 1867-1879: One of the more elusive 19th century Southwestern Pennsylvania potters is Stephen H. Ward of West Brownsville, a tiny borough in Washington County. Because Ward did not pot year round and sold mainly to local clientele, his output was small; thus, examples of his work are prized by today's collecting community. This one gallon stoneware jar adorned with four stripes and a crisp rendition of Brown's signature stenciled eagle is highly desirable for three reasons: its petite 10" size, excellent condition, and patriotic motif. The one gallon size of the jar makes it easy to display in one's home. The eagle makes the jar enticing not only among stoneware aficionados but also among patriotic americana connoisseurs. This rare piece of crockery is also in absoultely as made condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs and only factory firing anomalies, including the jar's being slightly out of round from its bout with the 2,000 plus degrees kiln temperatures. This is a great example of Pennsylvania pottery from one of the state's more obscure makers.