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Thompson Pottery
Morgantown, W.Va.
5 Gallon Freehand Crock
Circa 1850 - 1860
Item No. 23-034-50
This large, 5 gallon stoneware jar is decorated across its front with a long, viny floral decoration at the top, other floral embellishments near the bottom and two cobalt lines. A cobalt 5 on the front indicates the gallon capacity. A pronounced, beaded line runs around the circumference of the jar just above the handles. There is no stenciling or impression. The elaborate fern drawings on this jar are all hand brushwork. Jars with this decoration are attributed to the Thompson Pottery of Morgantown, W.Va. This particular example was made circa 1850's/60’s and is a good, large example of this extremely rare and sought after pottery. The crock stands about 15 ¼" tall. It is in excellent condition with only a chip near one of the handle terminals, a small flake on the other handle, a 1 ¼" long, very shallow flake inside the rim, and a few other tiny nicks on the beading.
Brief History
A nearly identical crock is pictured in Dr. Carmen A. Guappone’s book titled “United States Decorated Stoneware Book II.” The crock is pictured with other jars & crocks attributed to the Thompson Pottery of Morgantown, W.Va. In addition, there is a Morgantown pottery timeline detailing the important dates, events and people in the stoneware business of Morgantown. An absolutely wonderfully historic WV pottery piece. A MUST HAVE! |
