A new discovery to American pottery enthusiasts, this important extravagantly-potted and decorated stoneware pedestal base water cooler recently surfaced in the Midwest. We were shocked that a piece such as this existed, commented Luke Zipp of Crocker Farm. Setting a new auction record for Western Pennsylvania stoneware, the water cooler sold for $120,000 (est. $30,000 to $50,000) at the companys recent sale, which concluded Nov. 15. The buyer was private collector Martin Kaye. Made by James Hamilton, Beaver, Pa., ca. 1845, the tall piece with ovoid body, tall flaring collar, open handles, and on a flaring pedestal base is brush-decorated with fuchsia vines across the front, extending around each side. The front is incised with the large cobalt-highlighted name, Wm.. POWERS, below a spotted drape motif. The reverse is decorated with the freehand initials, J.H., the signature of the potter, within a looping vine border. According to the Zipps, it ranks among the most important and decorative examples of Western Pennsylvania stoneware to come to auction in decades and represents a young James Hamilton at his very best. The coolers coveted pedestal-based form is amplified by an over-the-top beverage urn shape, uncharacteristic of the regional style, which showcases Hamiltons artistic abilities. William H. Powers appears in an 1849 local tax record as an innkeeper in the town of Beaver, and it is highly probable that this object was fashioned by Hamilton as a beverage dispenser for Powers inn. The cooler is in masterclass status by one of Western Pennsylvanias most famous and skilled potters. It survived in near excellent condition for an often-damaged form. To learn more, call Crocker Farm at 410-472-2016 or visit www.crockerfarm.com.