JAMES HICKERSON, STRASBURG, SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA DECORATED STONEWARE PITCHER, salt-glazed, "1" gallon capacity mark, semi-ovoid form with pronounced bead at shoulder neck transition, tall neck with incised ring below the plain rim, pronounced foot, and strap handle. Brushed cobalt floral drop flanked by feathers to body, inverted feather flaking spout. The pottery of James M. Hickerson (1833-1902). 1880-1890. 11 1/4" H.
Literature: See Comstock, The Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region, p. 299, fig. 5.279 for this capacity mark in conjunction with Hickerson's maker's stamp.
Provenance: From a Virginia private collection.
As-found condition, horizontal freeze crack half way around base, light exterior-only hairline off rim, flaking to rim and neck bead, several chips to foot.