Cowan’s offers largest and most important Western Pennsylvania stoneware collection in decades

CINCINNATI, OH.-Cowan’s Auctions will offer a selection of property from the Estate of Louis Hahn, Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania in a two-day auction that will feature over 800 lots. Session I will be held on November 11 and will feature the largest and most important Western Pennsylvania stoneware collection to appear at auction in recent memory. The session will also feature other Midwestern stoneware, and a collection of advertising tins, signs and store displays. On November 12, Session II will include a wide variety of Americana including painted furniture, baskets, samplers and Pennsylvania watercolors, early lighting and other metalware, bentwood and painted boxes, early blown and molded glassware, garden ornaments, tin toys, and treenware.

“Western Pennsylvania was a center of stoneware production in the 19th century and the Hahn Collection contains examples of all of the major potters as well as rare examples of smaller manufacturers,” said Wes Cowan, Hindman Vice Chair and Cowan’s Founder.

The top lot of the auction is an important Ohio stoneware water cooler with patriotic eagle (Lot 98). While coolers incorporating American eagles are hardly uncommon, the graceful shape of this vessel, with its high outward flaring neck is unique. The 21-inch cooler from the 1840s is estimated to sell for $10,000 – $15,000.

Other notable lots from Session I include a cobalt double eagle-decorated Pennsylvania ten gallon crock (Lot 112) with a presale estimate of $2,000 – $3,000; a rare Paul Bogatay signed commission for the Maurice Knight Stoneware Company (Lot 167) estimated to sell for $2,000 – $4,000; a rare Cream of 100% Pure Pennsylvania Oil metal sign (Lot 260) with a presale estimate of $2,000 – $4,000; and a Humphrey’s Veterinary countertop display cabinet (Lot 313) with a presale estimate of $1,500 – $2,500.

Highlights from Session II include a chippendale Berks County painted pine blanket chest (Lot 732) estimated to sell for $3,000 – $,5000; a Johan George Busyaeger (Act. 1805-1841) signed Pennsylvania fraktur (Lot 553) estimated to sell for $2,500 – $3,500; and a federal polychrome paint decorated pine three drawer blanket chest (Lot 733) estimated to sell for $2,000 – $4,000.

Property from the Estate of Louis Hahn will be offered in a two-day auction on November 11 and 12 beginning at 10:00 am (ET) on both days. Bidders are able to participate via absentee bid, over the phone, or by bidding live on one of four online bidding platforms. Previews are available by appointment.