STAMPED "BELL" WINCHESTER OR STRASBURG, SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA JAR, salt-glazed, illegible capacity mark probably six-gallons, ovoid form with slightly flared collar and plain rim, beaded neck ring, and applied double-grooved arched handles. Brushed cobalt triple-bloom tulip decoration on each side, additional cobalt at handle terminals. Peter, Samuel, or Solomon Bell, Winchester or Strasburg, VA. 1830-1845. 16" H, 10 7/8" D rim.
Minor flake to rim, significant freeze cracks, some which have been sealed. Having some manufacturing flaws including a kiln spall below decoration, as made.
Provenance: From a Central Virginia collection.
Catalogue Note: H. E. Comstock originally attributed the large "BELL" mark seen on the present jar to S. Bell and Son in Strasburg, circa 1892-1915. However, all of the pieces recorded with this distinctive stamp are of a much earlier form. It is now thought that this mark was used by the Bell family during their time in Winchester or the first mark utilized in Strasburg.

Minor flake to rim, significant freeze cracks, some which have been sealed. Having some manufacturing flaws including a kiln spall below decoration, as made.