Lot 533: WWI Buffalo Pottery Vase w/ Patriotic Insignia

Rare Buffalo China WWI era porcelain vase with handpainted flag, eagle and gold banner insignia on a cobalt blue ground. Gilt trimmed flared rim and tapering sides. Underside with gilt painted mark BUFFALO CHINA 1917. 7 1/2 in. H x 6 1/2 in. W. Note: In 1915, the Buffalo Pottery became one of only twelve potteries in the United States where vitreous china was made. These porcelain pieces were stamped Buffalo China and represented only a small portion of the Buffalo Pottery’s output. This rare patriotic decoration likely relates to the U.S. declaration of war on Germany in 1917 and was probably made for a commercial service client. From 1918-1919, Buffalo Pottery made vitrified china products for the US Army, Navy, and Hospital Service but none with this particular motif are known; surviving examples made for any client with this motif are very scarce to nonexistent.

PROVENANCE: The Collection of Deborah and Kent Vauclain Bissell, Sr., by descent from his grandfather, Dr. Austin Flint Morris (1868-1906) of New Jersey, a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, or his great-uncle, William Cullen Morris (1874-1975) of New York. Morris was a Vice President of Con Edison and engineer instrumental in the construction of the Astoria Tunnel. 

CONDITION: A few minor scratches to gilt, otherwise excellent condition.