Brown glazed jug...unknown

[Flex68]

Brown glaze ‘ A J E & F Ermont ’ stoneware jug

I purchased this stoneware jug from an antique mall in Asheville, NC about a year ago.
This item "called" to me, and I was certain that with the manufacturer stamp that I would be able to research to discover what I bought.
Now I have to admit defeat in attempting to learn what I have!

I suspected mid- to late-1800s, and still feel that is true.
The jug measures 9.5" high x 9" around x 2 3/4" base and 1" mouth.
It is clearly handthrown, and is straight-sided with a single applied handle, and overall brown glaze with a smooth shoulder and many points of uneveness/imperfection at the waist and towards base.

Unsure about the interior, as it is also a brownish color, fading towards a tan or cream color at the bottom... slip or salt?

It also contains the hardened remnants of whatever dark substance it once contained, now 'floating' free like a large coin inside...perhaps molasses?

The manufacturer information: Circular medallion embossed/stamped on shoulder, side directly opposite the handle, with what appears to be "A J E & F" in all capital letters through the center, and what appears to be "ERMONT" or "EAMONT" curving in the bottom half of the circle.


Anyone have any thoughts on age, type, manufacturer, etc.....??

 

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[surf]

Hello Flex,

This form is often seen in Dutch gins, German Mineral Waters, or the occasional Liebfraumilch. The logo seal, and glaze, suggest early 20th Century to me.

"Ermont" is a small area in the northern suburbs of Paris. "Eamont" may refer to the River of the same name in the area of Penrith, Cumbria.

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Did you see this earlier inquiry? Porcelain & Pottery Brown Glaze from rlwhatwasthis on Ruby Lane

 

[Flex68]

Thanks, surf!
Great info, and more than I have gotten from any other inquiries to this point.
(The link to the one on Ruby Lane was mine!)

 

[CRUSADER]

Well, if I had to guess, being glazed stoneware, I would say mid-19th C, but thats as far as I know...

 

[Flex68]

Thanks, Cru.
Definitely appreciate your input, and agree that it has the appearance of mid- to late-1800s
Many local/regional potteries producing similar wares from that time frame......

 

[surf]

Evening Gents,

One of the reasons I suggested early 20th Century is the font used in the shoulder seal. Do my eyes deceive me or are those letters pretty stylized, somewhat Art Deco, even.

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This form has been used for a very long time, including well into the 20th Century.

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[Flex68]

Indeed, you may be right, surf.

My thoughts on the jug being a bit older than that are due to the form (although it may well have been carried on into the 20th century); the roughness or 'unfinished' aspect which, to me, truly points towards it being an older handcast item than a later one that was just fashioned purposely to look that way; and, if it was handcast and hand glazed , then it was likely produced prior to the turn of the century.
For a common item such as this, it would have just made little sense to invest that kind of time and effort into the production when the company needing such a container could likely have bought bulk-produced items by that point.

 

[surf]

I disagree. Bols has been producing these types of containers for a very long time. Here is a 1970 example, currently for sale @ electronic auction:

Vintage 1970 Erven Lucas Bols Gin Brown Clay Stoneware Bottle 1 Liter Empty​

 

[Flex68]

With what are you disagreeing....?

 

[surf]

For a common item such as this, it would have just made little sense to invest that kind of time and effort into the production when the company needing such a container could likely have bought bulk-produced items by that point.

Some products and the companies that make them are closely identified with their products. They call it branding these days. Bols, to this day, uses very distinctive containers for their products. Bottles that cost far more than the "bulk-produced."

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