19th C. West TN Presentation Pottery Pitcher

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