Bidspirit auction | Stamped ”BROCKVILLE WORKS” (Schuylkill Co.,

Stamped ”BROCKVILLE WORKS” (Schuylkill Co., PA) Molded Rockingham-Glazed Toby Mug - Stamped ”BROCKVILLE WORKS” (Schuylkill Co., PA) Molded Rockingham-Glazed Toby Mug Rockingham glaze with excellent mottling splashed over yellowware body, molded round form with exceptionally high-relief design featuring a portly Toby holding a shaving razor and brush on both sides, heavy foliage (probably acanthus leaf) embossed at front to hide the mold seam, applied angular molded handle. Stamped ”BROCKVILLE WORKS / NEAR / POTTSVILLE, SCH'L CO. / PENNA.” to underside. Second half 19th century. Dimensions: 4 3/8” H, 4” D base. Condition: Excellent condition with scattered flaking/minor losses to glaze around high points of body (especially on Toby's feet and legs), plus similar flaking and bruising to inner edge of rim. Provenance: The Stradling Study Collection. Purchased from Chris Machmer Antiques (Annville, Pennsylvania), 01/24/1991. Catalogue Note: Very few signed pieces are known from this obscure firm, which was apparently located in or around Brockton, about 10 miles north of Pottsville. The September 30th, 1939 edition of the Pottsville Republican describes an exciting evening at the Schuylkill County Historical Society where members learned about the history of the pottery as reported by G.A. Berner and others. Apparently the factory was run by a ”Ferdinand Hudson” and a ”Mr. Pinkerton” who came from Philadelphia around 1850. Almost nothing else is known about the factory or its products outside of the research collected by Mildred V. Hardcastle which has been quoted in other publications (Lehner 1988, p. 57). Unfortunately a copy of Mrs. Hardcastle's article could not be located prior to the publishing of this catalogue. The present mug appears to be a novel reworking of the ”Toby mug” design associated with Charles Coxon, which originated in Baltimore between 1849 and 1858, and which was subsequently produced by Coxon in NJ from 1858 to 1860 and beyond (Goldberg 1994, figs. 8 and 21). The Brockville mug's design differs from the others in its treatment of the Toby figure's hair, feet, and face; other differences include the execution of the front mold-line foliage, a thickened border below the rim, and a totally new handle. 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.