STAMPED "H.C. SMITH / ALEXA", ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA DECORATED STONEWARE JAR, salt-glazed, "1 1/2" gallon capacity mark, cylindrical form with slight shoulder, rounded rim, and a single-incised shoulder ring. Bold brushed cobalt floral design to front featuring two horizontal double bloom flowers with foliage, reverse having six-link chain to shoulder. Made for Hugh Charles Smith (1804-1854), Wilkes Street pottery, Alexandria, VA. 1847-1850. 11 5/8" H, 6 1/8" D rim.
Published: Wilder - Alexandria, Virginia Pottery, 1792-1876, p. 157, fig. HCS046 and HCS046a.
Literature: Wilder - Alexandria, Virginia Pottery, 1792-1876, stamp as p. 320, fig. Mk VII.
Catalogue Note: Hugh Charles Smith, eldest son of Hugh Smith (1769-1856), partnered with his father in the management of the Wilkes Street pottery beginning in 1825. Hugh Charles, like his father, was a merchant and not a potter by trade. The stoneware vessels produced under their administration were made by numerous potters and decorators, both African American and white, hired throughout the 16-years the family owned the pottery. In 1833, Hugh Charles returned full time to the merchant business. At this time, the senior Smith officially leased the Wilkes Street pottery to potter and employee B.C. Milburn and by 1841, had sold the business to Milburn. Hugh Charles passed away at the young age of 50 in 1854.

Excellent, undamaged condition, except rim having a flake and some old paint remnants to underside.