Jug, Whiskey

Object number2007.57.45

Date1888-1895

OriginNew Geneva, PA

Mediumfireclay, with salt glaze, cobalt decoration

Credit LineGift of Bernard Vavrek and Joanne Vavrek

DescriptionVery large five-gallon whiskey jug: tall, elongated, bulbous shape, with two heavy moulded handles attached at shoulder; decorative incised bands; tall, funnel-shaped spout at top, fitted with a wooden stopper (may not be original); dark olive-brown color with cobalt decoration, which has darkened/blackened, apparently due to over-firing; freehand wavy lines; freehand numeral near base, flanked by arrow designs; and rather plain stencilled label with maker information.Dimensions12.5 x 10 in. (31.8 x 25.4 cm)
MarksFreehand numeral "5" near base and stencilled label reads: "R.T. WILLIAMS / MANUFACTURER. / NEW GENEVA / PA."
Historical NotesRobert Thomas "Dick" Williams (1852-1895) ran a sucessful pottery with William Williams from 1880-1884, in the old James Hamilton stoneware factory. In 1884, he bought out his partner. A respected citizen and Presbyterian, he was apparently murdered on a selling trip to Pittsburgh in 1895; in the later days of the stoneware industry, many potteries specialized in whiskey jugs, for which there was still some demand. Part of a collection of stoneware from local manufacturers in the Western Pennsylvania region.

Related person Robert Thomas Williams (1852 - 1895)

Collector Bernard Vavrek

Subjects