STAMPED "H.C. SMITH / [AL]EX A / D.C", ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA DECORATED STONEWARE JAR, salt-glazed, "2" gallon capacity mark, semi-ovoid form with squared rim, beaded neck ring, double incised shoulder ring, applied tab handles. Brushed cobalt horizontal floral decoration encircling body, additional cobalt to handle terminals. Made for Hugh Charles Smith (1804-1854), at the Wilkes Street Pottery, Alexandria, VA. 1830-1847. 12 1/8" H, 6 3/4" D rim.
Literature: Stamp as Wilder - Alexandria, Virginia Pottery, p. 173, fig. HCS070.
Provenance: From an important Washington, DC private collection.
Having a hairline rim crack and moderate chip to each handle. Manufacturing flaws including kiln kiss to flower decoration, as made.