Last week, I previewed a redware highlight (Bixler flower pot) to be sold at Crocker Farm. This week, we look at one of the top stoneware offerings. The sale will be held from March 25 to April 8; the online catalog went live on March 21. For regional stoneware collectors in the midstate, water coolers rank among the finest to come out of any pottery operation in Harrisburg, Pa. Among the best is this four-gallon stoneware pedestal-based example with slip-trailed cobalt double tulip floral decoration, stamped WM. MOYER / HARRISBURG PA, made ca. 1858-61. Complementing the rare pedestal base is a classical, urn-like form including a coved rim and open handles with impressed rosettes at the terminals. The piece stands 18.25 inches high. The coolers exquisite slip-trailed decoration draws inspiration from the New York potting tradition and is attributed to Shem Thomas, a potter trained by Thompson Harrington of Lyons, N.Y. Related slip-trailed floral designs can be found on pieces bearing the makers mark, JOHN YOUNG & CO. / HARRISBURG, PA, used by partners John Young and Shem Thomas at their Filbert Street Pottery, ca. 1856-58. This cooler is evidence that Thomas, who remained in Harrisburg after his pottery closed, worked for William Moyer. Slip-trailed decoration is virtually nonexistent on Moyer stoneware, evidently spared only for the companys finest work. The reverse side of the cooler features an impressed seal featuring the cupola of the original capitol building in Harrisburg. The cooler was illustrated and discussed in Jeanette Lasanskys book, Made of Mud: Stoneware Potteries in Central Pennsylvania, 1834-1929, published in 1977. Weve never had the pleasure to offer a Harrisburg pedestal cooler before, and two are in this sale, from two different consignors. They are extremely rare, commented Luke Zipp of Crocker Farm. For additional information, call Crocker Farm at 410-472-2016 or visit www.crockerfarm.com.