Rare Three-Gallon Stoneware Jug with Incised Bird Decoration, Staped "JACOB CAIRE & CO. / POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y.," circa 1843-1845, highly ovoid jug with tall, tapering spout, the front decorated with an incised and cobalt-highlighted design of a crested bird with ringed neck and heavy feather detail, perched on a leafy branch. Additional cobalt highlights to maker's mark, handle terminals, and three-gallon capacity mark impressed into spout. According to George H. Lukacs authoritative book on Poughkeepsie stoneware, Poughkeepsie Potters and the Plague, this particular Caire family maker's mark was only used for roughly a year and a half, from August 1843 to February 1845. During this time, the pottery involved Jacob, John B., and George Caire, as well as Philip Riedinger (Lukacs, p. 125). Strong decoration and wonderful form. Provenance: Found decades ago in the northeastern U.S. Very large sealed, curving crack extending from reverse, across left side shoulder, under bird design, and onto right side of jug, not affecting decoration. This crack does not continue entirely around the jug's circumference. A faint 3/4" line in spout. H 16 3/4".