1880s, mottled alkaline glazed stoneware, celadon colored with numerous areas where the glaze crawled or was thinly applied, highly ovoid form with short applied ridged strap handles, atypical stamp "IEG" within a circle, hand-inscribed "3" on the shoulder.

16 x 10 in.

Private Collection, Washington, North Carolina

In June of 1861 Gay enlisted in the Confederate Army in Union County, North Carolina. He was later wounded at the Battle of Malvern Hill, Virginia after which he was discharged. A few of his works exist bearing the circular stamp with an alkaline glaze, while salt glazed pieces are signed in script.

Both handles have edge abrasions with one having a chip and firing crack as well; 1/2 in. flake and debris below one handle; 5 in. firing separation above base; base edge chips with hairlines extending upwards, two of which continue across the underside; hairlines appear stable;