Rare New Milford Wannopee Cobalt Majolica Biscuit Cracker Jar, c 1889

Porcelain : Antique : Majolica

 

A truly rare piece of American majolica made by the New Milford Pottery of New Milford, Connecticut. This cracker or biscuit jar is dark cobalt blue with gold overspray trim with "pearl" trails on the swirling and scalloped rim. It has a fabulous square finial on the lid that repeats the pattern. This is a large piece: 6 3/4" high and 6" in diameter at its widest. It is in wonderful condition with no chips, cracks, or repairs,, though there is some crazing common to this pottery.

The New Milford Pottery of New Milford, Connecticut was founded in 1887. Majolica production began in 1888 and one of the glazes was cobalt blue. Pitchers and jugs with this interesting cobalt glaze were manufactured until 1889, and most of this production was unmarked, though later pieces bore "N.M.P.Co." in a lozenge. Due to financial difficulties, the company was twice reorganized between 1887 and 1892, whereupon the name "Wannopee" was used. The company continued production of art pottery, including the highly desirable lettuce leaf line, until financial difficulties forced the closure of the of the firm in 1904.

Item ID: CH-8704