Rare John Bell Redware Ladies Spittoon

Circa 1850-1880: Measuring 3" tall x 5" in diamter, this petite signed "John Bell / Waynesboro" ladies cuspidor, the smallest produced by the Pennsylvania potter, was decorated with manganese and then glazed with lead as was common practice with 19th century redware. Although larger John Bell spittoons are fairly common, very few of these small single handled specimens survive, and this one is in excellent condition with minor nicks to the top and base and no cracks or repairs. This a particularly appealing example of a scarce redware form produced by one of America's most important potters.