COFFMAN FAMILY, ROCKINGHAM CO., SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF

COFFMAN FAMILY, ROCKINGHAM CO., SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA DECORATED STONEWARE PITCHER, salt-glazed, approximately one-gallon capacity, semi-ovoid form with beaded rim, two incised neck rings, beaded shoulder ring, and strap handle with medial groove. Brushed cobalt floral decoration repeated four times with additional cobalt scalloped decoration at base of neck and upper handle terminal. Probably William Carlton Coffman (1822-1896) or his sons William S. Coffman (1846-1912), Edward E. Coffman (1853-1919), and Robert A. Coffman (1855-1920) working near Conrad's Store/Elkton, probably for Henry H. Miller or the Riverton Crock Works. 1850-1880. 8 3/4" H, 5" D rim.
Restoration to spout and minor flake to base, otherwise undamaged.
Literature: Parallels Evans/Suter - "'A Great Deal of Stone & Earthen Ware': The Rockingham County, Virginia School of Folk Pottery", p. 51, fig. 61; and Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., 6.17/17, lot 1002.
Provenance: Private collection of Edwina and the late Bernard Bishop, Williamsburg, VA.
Catalogue Note: This pitcher exhibits an interesting combination of Rockingham Co. design elements including the widely spaced leaves at the bottom of the stems, the graduated feather-like leaves on the stems, and ball-form flower heads.
Condition Report: Restoration to spout and minor flake to base, otherwise undamaged.