Item 12725
 
Coming to you from Doc's Crocks is this marvelous 4 Gallon Decorated Crock made and stamped by "J. & E. Norton, Bennington, VT."   
 
This is the work of Julius Norton and his cousin, Edward Norton who worked in Bennington using this mark from 1850-1859 (William Ketchum, Jr., American Stoneware, pp, 42).  
 
This beauty features a the Pottery Stamp with Cobalt Wash, and a Classic Norton Floral Decoration. The center stem has a bow at the base, a butterfly-like flower on the top, a rose in bloom on the bottom and buds, leaves, tendrils, and dots going everywhere.  The floral is executed with a slip cup using rich cobalt.   Measures 11 1/2" tall and 12" wide across the top. 
 
Excellent Condition.  Faint traces of water glass staining, three narrow chips inside the rim (1/4", 3/4", 1 1/4"), a couple minor nibbles outside the rim, and some fine glaze flakes on the back bottom (closeup).  No base chips, hairlines, cracks, or restoration.  
 
Ships double-boxed, insured, and FREE