SIGNED "MATTHEW OBENSHIN", BOTETOURT CO., VALLEY OF

SIGNED "MATTHEW OBENSHIN", BOTETOURT CO., VALLEY OF VIRGINIA EARTHENWARE / REDWARE JAR, lead-glazed, approximately four-gallon capacity, tall ovoid form with flat-top rim, applied arched handles, and a pronounced foot. Inscribed "Matthew / Obenshin / 1867" to underside. Obenchain (Obenshin) family, Mill Creek, Botetourt Co., VA. Circa 1867. 14" H, 7" D rim.
Chip to rim and base with medial glaze flaking/wear. Kiln kisses, as made.
Literature: Parallels Russ "Exploring Western Virginia Potteries" MESDA Journal, vol. XXI, no. 2, Winter 1995, p. 114, figs. 8, 8a. For a discussion of this pottery see Russ - The Fincastle Pottery (44B0304): Salvage Excavations at a Nineteenth-Century Earthenware Kiln Located in Botetourt County, Virginia, p. 8, table 1.
Provenance: Property from the estate collection of Dan and Doris Chrisman, Roanoke, VA.
Catalogue Note: The Obenchain (Obenshin) family had two members listed as potters in the 1880 U.S. Federal Census, William Jr. (1804-1886) and his brother Peter (1817-1885). Peter had been in the pottery business for at least 30-years, first being identified as a potter in the 1850 census. This piece was possibly made for their brother, Matthew Obenchain (1815-1877).
Condition Report: Chip to rim and base with medial glaze flaking/wear. Kiln kisses, as made.