Bidspirit auction | Trenton, NJ Whiteware Pitcher Stamped

Trenton, NJ Whiteware Pitcher Stamped ”U. Pottery” (probably Union Pottery Co., 1882-1895) - Trenton, NJ Whiteware Pitcher Stamped ”U. Pottery” (probably Union Pottery Co., 1882-1895) White earthenware (probably white granite) with lead glaze, pear-shaped body with flattened circular reserves on either side, seashells molded in relief around shoulder, molded ice lip attached inside spout, applied molded driftwood branch handle, underside stamped with an unrecorded ”U. Pottery” mark. Hand-painted polychrome-enamel decoration on both sides depicting a cabin in winter; black-enamel presentation inscription for ”Fred. Hahne” below spout. Circa 1882-1895. Dimensions: 10 1/8” H. Condition: Undamaged with moderate staining and minor to moderate wear/losses to decoration especially in ”Hahne” lettering. Provenance: The Stradling Study Collection. Catalogue Note: This particular pitcher's design is known only in whiteware. It comes in multiple sizes, and may have been part of a distinct line of tableware, as a covered slop jar is also known in addition to pitchers in other sizes. The flat sides make the shape highly suitable for decoration, as seen in the charming hand-painted winter scenes on the present example. This example was presented to ”Fred. Hahne”. At least two other presentation versions are known with the same ”U. Pottery” stamp: one which was presented to a New Jersey State Senator sometime between 1888 and 1890, and another example presented to a woman ”from Trenton Friends”. These incidences would suggest a Trenton origin for these pieces. Although unrecorded, the stamp (and likely, the design) can be attributed to Trenton's Union Pottery since that factory existed in the right place at the right time, and is the only known factory whose name could fit with the stamp. Period newspapers praise the factory's increased standard of workmanship after an 1885 reorganization and suggest the pottery had a bright future, but the proprietors were evidently experiencing difficulties as soon as 1888, when the company was put into receivership. The company was sold in 1892, then again in 1895. this time for good. This info, and more information about the company, can be found in the Trenton Potteries Database maintained by the Potteries of Trenton Society (https://potteriesoftrentonsociety.org/research/). It is worth noting that the same design was used around the same time (or shortly afterwards) in Montreal by the St. John's Stone Chinaware Company. A few of that company's pitchers are discussed in the Dions' masterful biography of North American master potter Philip Pointon, who worked at the company for some time (Dion and Dion 2013, p. 109). These pitchers are stamped with the St. John's Stone Chinaware Co. mark in black ink, and are not to be confused with the Trenton examples. Auctioneer's Note: We are thrilled to bring the Stradling Study Collection to market in partnership with Connor Rush of SFR Antiques, whose help and scholarship enabled the completion of this session's catalogue. A bibliography for the sale can be found here: ( https://bit.ly/3RYodeh ). For questions about lots 1 through 111 in this sale, or for help accessing the bibliography, please reach out to connor@nyeandcompany.com. Condition: Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. We also recommend asking for a shipping quote before bidding. CASH, CASHIER CHECK, MONEY ORDER, AND WIRE TRANSFER ARE THE ONLY METHODS OF PAYMENT ACCEPTED FOR JEWELRY.