Dave the Slave, Thomas Chandler, Gordy pieces to be sold May 28 in Georgia Dozens of examples of highly collectible Southern pottery by such renowned artisans as Dave the Slave, Thomas Chandler, W.T.B. Gordy and others will be sold May 28 by Cagle Auction in Jefferson, Ga.
desirable. Scholars will debate this piece for years to come.”
One lot that could well end up being the surprise star of the auction is an unsigned two-gallon pitcher by Thomas Chandler in superb condition. Chandler was one of just a handful of highly skilled turners who worked at the Phoenix Pottery in the Edgefield District (S.C.). He was one of the area’s first potters and was known for his tall, ovoid jars and decorated stoneware.
The pitcher will attract keen interest for several reasons. First, it’s a pitcher, and Chandler made very few pitchers. Second, pitchers were typically fragile and didn’t survive well through the ages. To see one in this condition is remarkable. And, although unsigned, it does have Steve Ferrell’s authentication. If signed, it could fetch $10,000. Unsigned, it should hit $2,500-$5,000.
Another Chandler piece – an alkaline glaze jar, unsigned but with decorations and marks that are undeniably Chandler’s – has a pre-sale estimate of $3,000-$6,000. The jar is large, either four or five gallons, and is unusual because of its alkaline glaze. “Chandler didn’t do a lot of alkaline glazing, so we think this piece will attract strong bidder interest,” Mr. Cagle commented.
Also sold will be examples by W.T.B. Gordy, the Georgia potter and father of W.J. “Bill” Gordy, who enjoyed much success in his own right. Pieces by the elder Gordy to be sold include a rare, double-handled syrup jug, unsigned but showing the characteristics of Gordy (est. $800-$1,400) and a stacker jug in the more common single-handle form. It should make $300-$475.
The sale also boasts several pieces from Crawford County, Ga. These include a rare, one-gallon fluid jug with a great script signature “E.L.” (for Elijah Long of the Long pottery family), made circa 1835-1840; a large, pumpkin-shaped, two-gallon jug signed “W.B” (for Washington Becham), with outstanding glaze and in excellent condition; and a double-handled syrup jug signed “C.J.B” (for Columbus Jackson Becham), a four gallon size and turned around 1880.
Items to be offered that are unrelated to pottery include an awesome fruit basket from Massachusetts and a handsome Paris Clipper sled, with 1909 price list. “It’s important for folks to know that while pottery will be the main attraction in this auction, the vast majority of lots are in other categories,” Mr. Cagle said. “There will be something for everyone, I can promise that.”
Internet bidding will be facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com, and phone and absentee bids will also be accepted. Preview dates and times have not been officially announced, but will be posted on the Cagle Auction Company website, at www.cagleauction.net. All winning bids will be subject to a 10 percent buyer’s premium and a 7 percent Georgia sales tax (unless exempted).
Cagle Auction Company is always accepting quality consignments for future sales. To consign an item, an estate or a collection, you may call Nathan Cagle at (404) 849-7379; or, you can e-mail him at nathancagle@cagleauction.net. To learn more about Cagle Auction Company and the Monday, May 28
