Rare East Tennessee, Washington County, transitional earthenware to stoneware straight-walled pottery vessel by Yeager Pottery (working circa 1870 – 1885), with dark red glaze (possible lead glaze) and slip floral and foliate designs (possibly cobalt), deep groove below the rim. Inscribed "Mrs. Mec Yeager" to the body within the floral designs. 4 7/8" H x 3 3/4" dia. Note: Yeager Pottey was believed to have operated in Limestone, TN sometime after 1872 on a farm owned by Josiah Joel Yeager (1814 – 1885) who had two sons, Bruce (1843 – 1933) and Issachar (1845 – 1916). A related piece with a similar inscription is discussed on page 282 and featured on page 283 in Volume I of the book "Tennessee Potteries, Pots, and Potters – 1790s to 1950" by Samuel D. Smith and Steven T. Rogers. The straight-walled jar in the book has an identical form and similar floral decoration and is inscribed "Mec". It is believed that this stands for America Yeager, the wife of Josiah''s son Bruce whom the family called "Aunt Mec".

PROVENANCE: The living estate of Dr. Jerry Waters, Maryville, TN.

CONDITION: Some minor scattered fleabites to the rim and base. Base has a shallow "cresent" chip to the edge, less than 1" L.