Outstanding Five-Gallon Stoneware Jar with Elaborate Cobalt Vine Design, Stamped "BELL", Samuel, Solomon, or Peter Bell, Winchester, VA, circa 1835-1840, highly-ovoid jar with tooled shoulder, squared rim, and ribbed lug handles, decorated on the front and reverse with two rows of undulating vines bearing graduated swags. Brushed cobalt highlights to handle terminals. Impressed under one handle with "BELL" maker's mark beside a five-gallon raised-faced capacity mark. The decoration on this jar is highly unusual in Shenandoah Valley production, more closely related in style to Western Pennsylvania motifs. Desirable large size and striking color. Bottom broken and reglued, with old wire band around base. Additional cracks to base area and one that extends 9" up side of jar below handle. A top-to-bottom crack from rim. Old wire below rim. Two small chips to one handle. A small chip and minor wear to opposite handle.