Antique 1810-1830 Baltimore Stoneware Inkwell w/ Cobalt Swag, Thomas Point MD
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- $750.00
- Sale Price
- $750.00
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- Item: Inkwell / Inkstand
- Material: Salt-Glazed Stoneware / Earthenware
- Era: Early 19th Century (Circa 1810–1830)
- Region of Origin: Mid-Atlantic / Baltimore
- Color: Gray with Cobalt Blue Slip Decoration
- Dimensions: 4" Diameter x 1.5" Height
- Condition: Used / Historic Archaeological Recovery
A remarkably scarce, highly desirable "squat" or "pork-pie" style early American stoneware inkwell. This piece dates from the first quarter of the 19th century and features beautiful, fluid cobalt blue slip decoration.
Design & Features:
- Classic Form: Measures precisely 4 inches in diameter by 1.5 inches tall. The wide, low-profile squat design was intentionally thrown by the potter to prevent tipping on a writing desk.
- Quill Holders: Features a central ink reservoir flanked by multiple smaller holes designed to hold dip pens or feather quills upright.
- Cobalt Decoration: Adorned with a continuous, hand-brushed cobalt blue drapery/swag and scallop motif around the perimeter—highly indicative of early Baltimore, Maryland potteries (such as the school of David Parr).
Historic Provenance:
The base of this inkwell retains two exceptional, early handwritten collector labels that elevate this piece into a true piece of documented regional history.
The base of this inkwell retains two exceptional, early handwritten collector labels that elevate this piece into a true piece of documented regional history.
- Label 1: "Point Thomas Artifact 1810-30"
- Label 2: "Salt-glazed earthenware, small piece. Good condition, very"
This confirms the item was recovered as a historical field or shoreline find at Thomas Point (Annapolis, MD) along the Chesapeake Bay. The tags have been left completely undisturbed to preserve the item's magnificent provenance.
Condition Report:
This is an archaeological, surface-recovered artifact showing wonderful "honest wear" that proves its age and authenticity. There is one small, old, weathered chip on the upper top edge (fully visible in the photos) which occurred historically during its lifespan or burial. There are no modern breaks, no structural spider cracks, and no repairs. The stoneware body is dense, solid, and completely stable. Comes with a vintage cork plug in the central reservoir. Please review all photos carefully as they serve as the definitive description of condition.
This is an archaeological, surface-recovered artifact showing wonderful "honest wear" that proves its age and authenticity. There is one small, old, weathered chip on the upper top edge (fully visible in the photos) which occurred historically during its lifespan or burial. There are no modern breaks, no structural spider cracks, and no repairs. The stoneware body is dense, solid, and completely stable. Comes with a vintage cork plug in the central reservoir. Please review all photos carefully as they serve as the definitive description of condition.
This is an absolute must-have piece for collectors of early Maryland stoneware, Chesapeake history, or primitive folk art.