This is an old pitcher with a pewter lid... I do not have any information on where it might have come from. On the lip of the pitcher is a man's head. The top rim of the pitcher is lined with pewter. The floral decor on the black background appears to be hand painted. There is a small marking on the base of this piece which I have included and blown up in the photographs. This pitcher is similar to some Reinhold Merkelbach Krug pieces I have seen, but I don't think it fits exactly into that style. It stands approximately 7" tall. This piece is in excellent condition... no chips, cracks, or repairs.
Dimensions
7" tall
Acquired From:
Auction House
Hi Virginia Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. The face below the spout is the "Greenman", which was a common decorative motif in the late 19th Century (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Man) that embellished architecture, furniture and all manner of the decorative arts. Because it is so ubiquitous in the late 19th century, unless it's signed by the maker - the gilt markings are probably the painter - it can be very difficult to identify specifically who made it. All that said, this is a very nice pitcher though it has a value that's more decorative than functional. Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is: A Continental Victorian faceted pewter-mounted "Greenman" stoneware pitcher Northern European, mid-late 19th Century Of octagonal section and baluster form, with flattened pewter lid and rim, a mask-like face is under the spout, the body glazed allover in black with stylized white foliate elements, single angled handle. Gilt inscription to underside of the foot. 7 inches tall CONDITION: This pitcher appears to be in good condition PROVENANCE: acquired at auction $ 200-300* *represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary. Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto. ~ Delia
