Jar
Object number2016.56.18 a,b
Manufacturer
Jacob Swank and Company
Datec. 1875
OriginJohnstown, PA
MediumCeramic/Glaze; Stoneware
Credit LineGift of Sandra D. Palmer
DescriptionOne-and-a-half-gallon stoneware canning jar with lid. Gray salt glaze with a yellow hue.Dimensions(a, b together) Height 12, Width 7.75, Depth 7.75, Diameter 7.75;(a) Height 11.75, Width 7.75, Depth 7.75, Diameter 7.75;
(b) Height 1.125, Width 4.875, Depth 4.875, Diameter 4.875.
Marks(a) Impressed maker's mark on side just below shoulder "J. SWANK & CO / JOHNSTOWN PA / 1 1/2".
(b) Hand inscribed "1" on top.
Historical NotesPart of a collection of Western Pennsylvania stoneware that document a regional industry of the mid to late 19th century. These objects document the salted glazed ceramic stoneware, largely produced in the New Geneva and Greensboro areas. Before the mass production of other storage containers, especially glass and metal for foods, these vessels were mass produced for a regional and national market. The cobalt hand decoration on some demonstrates the artistic stylings of regional makers, the stenciled markings on later crocks identifies makers or those businesses that used the crocks. The products of a regional industry, these pieces also provide information on the storage and sale of food and household goods in the 19th century.Label TextCanning jar with lid, one and a half gallons, stoneware, impressed mark “J. Swank & Co., Johnstown, Pa.,” c. 1875 Jacob, Josiah, and Hiram Swank established their Johnstown pottery in 1857. They manufactured grey salt glazed pots with cobalt decoration, as well as beer bottles and pots with this brown slip. In the 1880s the company began to specialize in the production of fire or refractory bricks. Gift of Sandra Palmer, 2016.56.18
Terms
On View
On view
c. 1865
