A four gallon Stoneware Jug with Stenciled Cobalt Decoration, Stamped "F.H. COWDEN / HARRISBURG, PA," circa 1881, finely-potted large-sized, straight-sided jug, applied handle, the front decorated with a large stenciled geometric design below the F.H. Cowden maker's mark. Frederick H. Cowden was the son of John Wallace Cowden, founder of the Cowden Potteries in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1861. Frederick worked briefly with his father at the pottery before enlisting in the Union Army for the Civil War. He returned to the pottery after the war and worked with his father and Isaac J. Wilcox in the firm of Cowden & Wilcox. John W. died in 1872 and Frederick continued the business, eventually operating it alone as F.H. Cowden from 1881 to 1888. All through this period the firm was well known for its salt glazed utilitarian stoneware with blue decoration featuring floral, bird and figural motifs. This allows us to date this jug as 1881-1888. In 1888 Frederick’s son, John Wallace Cowden II, joined the firm and the company name was changed to F.H. Cowden & Son. This partnership “modernized” the pottery moving away from thrown wares and introducing molds. They also introduced terracotta building products to their line of household wares. John II became sole owner in 1904 following Frederick’s death and operated the Company as Cowden and Company. The firm continued to make pottery until 1915. Measures 9.25 x 9.25 x 16.5". Wt 11 pds.

chip to one side, otherwise good - antique