This unusual spongeware pottery piece dates from 1890 to 1914.* The sponged glaze is predominantly brown with small touches of green over a base of very pale speckled yellow clay. It's covered with a clear top glaze on the inside, outside and bottom also. Standing on four molded bun feet, the box measures 2 1/2 inches high to the top of the ridged lid and 4 inches to the top of the snail-shaped knop. It's 6 inches long from edge to edge on the base and weighs just shy of one pound.
The box is in excellent condition, with a small flake off one of the bun feet, but no chips, cracks or hairlines. The bottom is marked with an impressed 'GERMANY' and 'No 6' below that. It adds nicely to a spongeware collection and can hold smalls like paper clips or candy on your desk or table.
* In 1914 Congress passed a law requiring the phrase “Made in…” before the country of origin name, so this box dates prior to 1914.
