1840-1850, stamped “H.C. SMITH / ALEXA,” this salt-glazed stoneware jar was made in Alexandria, Virginia, for merchant Hugh C. Smith, with brushed cobalt decoration, wheel turned with flat rim, ridge below collar, stamped capacity "1".

By direct family descent, to current consignor, Ann Carr Adkins.

MESDA Information: "Hugh Smith, Sr., was not a potter. Rather, he and his son, Hugh Charles (H.C.) Smith, operated a china merchants shop in Alexandria and managed a stoneware pottery. Hugh Smith, Sr., began managing the stoneware manufactory on Wilkes Street in 1825. Potters John Swann and Benedict C. Milburn were employed at the Wilkes Street pottery, as were several African-American potters. In 1841 the business was sold to Benedict C. Milburn."

Hairline crack from top to bottom of one side, currently stable.