STAMPED "H.C. SMITH / ALEXA / D.C", ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA DECORATED STONEWARE JAR, salt-glazed, "3" gallon capacity mark, ovoid form with rounded rim, a single-incised shoulder ring, and applied arched tab handles. Bold brushed cobalt double horizontal flower with foliage to front, reverse having four three-leaf sprig "turkey foot" ornaments to shoulder, and one handle with three-leaf sprig "turkey foot" ornament below. Made for Hugh Charles Smith (1804-1854), Wilkes Street pottery, Alexandria, VA. 1847-1850. 13 1/8" H, 7" D rim.
Published: Wilder - Alexandria, Virginia Pottery, 1792-1876, p. 167, fig. HCS061.
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.

Collection of the late Al and Billy Steidel, Alexandria, VA.

Very good condition, having three minor chips to foot edge, an approximately 7 1/2" L rim crack to back, and each handle with one or two chips to ends.