STAMPED "H.C. SMITH / ALEXA / D.C", ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA DECORATED STONEWARE PITCHER, salt-glazed, "2" gallon capacity mark, ovoid form with rounded rim, beaded neck ring, double-incised neck and shoulder rings, and applied strap handle with medial groove. Bold brushed cobalt tassel and feather decoration to neck and shoulder full round, additional cobalt to handle terminals. Made for Hugh Charles Smith (1804-1854), Wilkes Street pottery, Alexandria, VA. 1847-1850. 12 5/8" H, 5 1/4" D rim, 6 7/8" D base.
Published: Wilder - Alexandria, Virginia Pottery, 1792-1876, p. 129, figs. HCS005 and HCS005a.
Literature: Wilder - Alexandria, Virginia Pottery, 1792-1876, stamp as p. 320, fig. Mk VI.
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.

Very good condition, except having restoration to two rim chips adjacent to spout, primarily noticeable to interior, and two chips to base edge, one to underside.