Bidspirit auction | ANNA POTTERY ”LITTLE BROWN” SNAKE

ANNA POTTERY ”LITTLE BROWN” SNAKE JUG - Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick, Anna, Illinois, 1876. Diminutive ovoid jug with brown glaze incised with ”Little Brown Jug / from / Brachmann & Massard / Wines & Liquors / 81 W 3rd St / Cin O 1876,” with a nicely detailed snake coiled around the spout. 5.75” high. Snake jugs, both large and small, are considered some of the most iconic examples of the work of Wallace and Cornwall Kirkpatrick. Anna Pottery snake jugs are typically associated with the temperance movement, yet this snake jug was made for a spirits retailer in Cincinnati, and indeed, others exist of this type with the simple inscription ?Little Brown Jug? and a snake, suggesting a serious or humorous warning about the jug?s contents. There are a small number of these that also bear an inscription for Brachmann and Massard, spirit dealers in Cincinnati, indicating that commentary, at least in some instances, was more humorous. German-born William Brachmann (1837-1901) came to Ohio with his family in 1840, settling in Highland County (not far from Cincinnati). In 1861, at 21 years of age, he enthusiastically enlisted in the 47th OVI. He served honorably, having been wounded at Vicksburg, and receiving accolades for his leadership during Sherman?s siege of Atlanta. Upon his return to southwest Ohio, Brachmann entered the liquor trade. After a failed first partnership, he joined forces with Swiss-born John Peter Massard, a veteran jack-of-all trades. The pair operated quite successfully at 79 and 81 W. 3rd St. for years, and later, Brachmann used some of his wealth to invest in the Cincinnati, Georgetown, and Portsmouth Railroad. Provenance: a distinguished Midwestern collection. Affordable, in-house shipping is available for this lot. Please contact us for a quote. Condition: No chips or cracks, a few minor glaze scuffs; the snake's head exhibits a different sheen than the rest of the jug, so while it does not flouresce under blacklight, it likely has some restoration.