Antique Mercer Bottling Co Trenton NJ 3 Gallon Stoneware Advertising Jug

Antique two-tone stoneware shoulder jug with a cobalt blue stenciled advertising mark on the front reading MERCER BOTTLING COMPANY, TRENTON, NEW JERSEY inside a beaded rectangular border. The reverse carries a large cobalt 3 flanked by small floral flourishes for the three gallon capacity. Brown Albany slip glaze over the dome and neck, buff salt-glazed body below, applied strap handle at the shoulder. Circa 1890 to 1915. The cobalt stencil is sharp and fully legible, which is the detail collectors of local bottling advertising care about most. Please read the condition carefully: there is a hairline crack running down the front of the body on the left side, several inches long and clearly visible in the photos, a second shorter hairline to the right, and a glaze flake at the lip of the mouth. There is light surface staining and scuffing consistent with age, and no repairs or restoration. Sold as a damaged but displayable advertising piece. Heavy and fragile, packed accordingly.