Stoneware

[villagenut]

A friend dug this at one of our sites recently and although it is busted up, it is complete. Wondering if anybody here has ever seen one of these stone stoppers. I thought it very odd and wondering if it helps date the jug. The capacity 3 gallon mark looks distinct as well....maybe a certain maker used this font? Anyways, the jug is not really ovoid but it isn't beehive either...maybe transitional timing. Thanks vn

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Agony and Death on a Gold Rush Steamer: The Disastrous Sinking of the Side-Wheeler Yankee Blade - Grab it through Amazon!

[jgas]

Never seen one. Hmmm although never really searched in the spoils for one either. Guess I will now. Jgas.

 

[villagenut]

I would have to guess that a thin slice of hyde would wrap the stone stopper with some excess sticking out the top, in order to remove the stopper and assist in sealing the jug when it was in. It is a good tight fit as it is but doesnt seem as good as a cork would do.Never saw one either, nor in any Google search.

 

[epackage]

Looks like a hand carved stone stopper, I agree with villagenut on how it sealed the jug...