Rare Benedict C. Milburn, Alexandria Stoneware and Unique Photogravure by Edward Sheriff Curtis Come to Sale With Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., Inc

The historic town of Alexandria, Virginia is noteworthy for its distinct pottery with cobalt blue designs. The 19th-century stoneware has been cherished by art lovers as a valuable collectible. Wilkes Street Pottery was Alexandria’s longest-running stoneware manufactory, and Benedict C. Milburn was its most esteemed potter. Milburn began working at the manufactory in the early 1830s and purchased the business a decade later. A very rare stoneware water cooler stamped “B.C Milburn / Alexa” is a key highlight of the upcoming auction from Jeffrey S. Evans & Assoc., Inc. It is one of the three recorded Milburn water coolers from Alexandria. The salt-glazed decorated piece has a cylindrical form with slight shoulder, squared rim, vertical open handles, and octagonal-shaped bung hole. It features a central stem with leafy branches yielding circular buds on both the front and reverse sides. 

Another notable lot is a large format photogravure of Chief Joseph, Nez Perce by Edward Sheriff Curtis. It is a silver print on paper with copyright imprint in the negative lower left with “1903” date and ink-signed lower right. To view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming February 9, 2024: Steidel Collection Auction – Day One auction, visit Bidsquare and browse other online auctions.