ZIGLER POTTERY ATTRIBUTED, TIMBERVILLE, ROCKINGHAM CO., SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA DECORATED STONEWARE PITCHER, salt-glazed, approximately two-gallon capacity, elongated ovoid form, incised ring below rim and to medial neck, double-incised ring to shoulder, and strap handle. Brushed and slip-trailed cobalt decorations featuring an incised leaping stag to front with cobalt infill framed by stylized leafy branch on each side, eight leaves/petals on each side of neck, additional cobalt to handle terminals. Probably Andrew Coffman, or possibly Philip Byers at the John Zigler Pottery (active circa 1830 to after 1850), Timberville, VA. 1830-1840. 12 1/8" H, 5 3/4" D rim, 5 3/4" D base.
Literature: Closely Parallels Evans/Suter - A Great Deal of Stone & Earthen Ware, p. 42, fig. 35. Decoration parallels Jeffrey S. Evans (T/A GVA), 11/10/2007, lot 1006.
Catalogue Note: The present pitcher is one of three of identical form bearing this unusual incised stag decoration. The pitcher's high-shoulder, short-neck form, cobalt wings flanking the body decoration, and cobalt petal decoration encircling the neck are identical to numerous early-period pitchers from the Zigler Pottery, including the example referenced above. The second reference above is to an ovoid jar bearing an incised spread-wing eagle having identical wing- and snake-like decorations flanking and below the eagle as seen on the present pitcher. The latest research suggests Philip Byers as a possible source for these unusual incised animals.

Good visual condition, handle reconstructed, and having an approximately 6" x 3 1/2" glued repair at lower body/base, no other damage.