Scarce West Tennessee Albany slip stoneware pottery pitcher, attributed to the Weaver pottery, possibly William Weaver (working in Henry County, TN around 1887). Pitcher with C-shaped handle, flared rim and incised sine wave bands around the upper rim, neck and shoulder; applied lettering to midsection reading ELLA COLLINS beneath a smaller incised banner reading "Sep. 26, 1892" . 9 1/2" H. Paris, Tennessee, circa 1892. A mid-20th century note found with and detailing the history of this pitcher will be made available to the winning bidder. It states that the pitcher was commissioned as a one-of-a-kind wedding gift from Will Collins, "an employee of the old Russell Pottery", to his bride Ella Hill for their December, 1892 wedding. Provenance: Purchased by consignor from the estate of Paul Russell, Paris, TN; purchased from Mary June Smallwood Sinnema of Grapevine Antiques, Paris, TN circa 2000; consigned to Grapevine Antiques by Amy Martin Brummett, a relative of Ella Hill Collins. Note: "A Survey of Historic Pottery Making in Tennessee", (Division of Archeology, Tennessee Department of Conservation, Smith and Rogers, 1979) lists the Russell Pottery operating in Henry County from 1925-1950. While it is possible Mr. Collins worked for that pottery at one point, the 1930 census records him working for a railroad. The Currier - Weaver pottery operated in Henry County from 1887-1909.

Overall very good condition with minor chips to rim, largest 1/4" H x 3/8" W.