Good Morning,

I have provided links to several ceramic vessel photos of two 
individual vessels - one dark and one light-colored.  These were 
locally purchased from an antique dealer, and the provenience is 
non-existent. I am simply trying to give the current owner some idea 
of what he purchased, as I really haven't a clue.

Both appear to be stoneware, and there may be a trace of glaze on the 
handles, although it may just be burnishing from use. Both have a 
very prominent exterior cut-in ring below the rim, presumably to tie 
on a cloth cover.  The darker brown vessel seems to have more age.

There are two nearly identical vessels. Both are about 5.5-6.0 inches 
tall. Orifice outside diameter 3.25-3.5 inches. Base diameter 
2.65-2.7 inches. I would have thought tankards of some sort, but the 
groove for tieing on a lid or cover has me stumped.

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac162/markbranst/P7010209.jpg 

http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac162/markbranst/P7010208.jpg
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac162/markbranst/P7010207.jpg
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac162/markbranst/P7010206.jpg
http://i896.photobucket.com/albums/ac162/markbranst/P7010205.jpg

I have no idea whether these have any real age, or whether they are 
just tourist pieces. I was guessing that they were European, but 
beyond that ???

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,  Mark

-- 

Mark C. Branstner, RPA
Historic Archaeologist

Illinois State Archaeological Survey
Prairie Research Institute
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
209 Nuclear Physics Lab, MC-571
23 East Stadium Drive
Champaign, IL 61820

Phone: 217.244.0892
Fax: 217.244.7458
Cell: 517.927.4556
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