Antique Manganese Lead Glazed Redware Milk Pitcher Applies Handle Jacob Medinger
Description: A beautiful manganese and lead glazed redware milk pitcher. The ovoid shaped milk pitcher having an applies handle, was made by Jacob Medinger. The pitcher has a nice sgraffito of a federal eagle design on the front opposite the handle. The eagle has his wings spread and is holding flowers in his talons. He is holding a banner in its beak and has a shield on its shield with stars and stripes. The wide strap like handle is heavily-ribbed and has four raised ribs. The top of the pitcher is flared with a shaped spout. The flared top meets the body of the pitcher at a typical Medinger coggled rope like junction. The pitcher is fully glazed inside and out with a lead glaze and has one of Jacob Medinger typical daubed manganese decoration throughout with the brown coloring. A nice and very desirable redware pitcher by Jacob Medinger. The piece is entirely glazed except for the base which shows the color of unglazed redware. A great antique worthy of a spot in your redware collection. Please carefully review the photos presented as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: Uncertain but most likely late 1800s or early 1900s (late 19th century or early 20th century).
Origin: Neiffer, Limerick Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Size: The piece measures ~7 3/4 high, ~4 1/8" in diameter at the base, and ~6 1/2" at its widest including the handle and spout. The pitcher weighs two pounds and 11.5 ounces.
Maker: Jacob Medinger.
Marks: Unmarked.
Distinguishing Characteristics - Most Interesting About The Piece: This is a very nice Medinger redware piece with a typical Pennsylvania Dutch look and colors made over 100 years ago but still in great condition.
Condition: The pitcher is in good overall condition. It has no cracks, no repairs, and no hairlines. The piece shows overall crazing to the glaze. In addition, the glaze shows some scuff and minor losses. The center of the ovoid shape of the pitcher shows signs of wear and spots where the gaze is lost and some minor flakes to the surface. The base shows some small and minor surface chips which are difficult to see but are there and are mentioned for completeness. The piece also has several of the usual defects you would expect with all these primitive redware pieces such as pops, slubs, unglazed areas, inclusions, and uneven spots, notably the spot in the fifth photo to the left near the base. Be that as it may, the piece is beautiful, solid and in great condition. A solid and intact piece which would make a great addition to your collection. Please see photos for additional condition information.