Lot 967: Hammon Merchant Creswick Stoneware Banded Barrel

Excellent. Little breather hole at top has a tiny bit of wear to the inner edge. At the rim edge above the 2 is a small mark that looks like a minor repair from times past, this was a small flake at best to start with. A little fine wear to the rim edge. The rear rim has another spot that at first was hard to tell, but there seems to be a very professional repair done to a chip, over 20 x 15 mm, on the upper edge looks like at its deepest it was 3 mm. Looks to be a shallow flake repair to upper edge on right front side. The lower right part of the tap hole at the front has a speckled appearance to it, although I cannot ascertain the extent, there is a small repair here as well. Would likely have been a small chip on the inner edge of the tap hole that has been repaired exceptionally well. A few scratches to the body and the odd little mark. An exceptional rarity, this is of great importance! The only one known to collectors, this has all the hallmarks of being early Bendigo Pottery, and would have been made in very low numbers at the time. The couple of repairs are amongst the best I have seen and were only small chips to start with by the look of it, so we have still graded this high, deservedly so as this is one stunning piece! Hammon's business was quite a large concern, Henry retired in 1901 after 48 years of successful business.  An interesting article was in an early Argus as per the following: Saturday 23rd March, 1901 in The Argus. To Grocers, Wine and Spirit and produce Merchants. Tenders will be received by the undersigned up to Saturday, March 30, for the purchase of the property, Wine and Spirit License, and Goodwill of the business of Mr Henry Hammon, merchant, of Creswick.  The property comprises large stores, chaffcutting mills (brick), all up-to-date machinery, stables, sheds, loose boxes, cellars, and a magnificent dwelling, and every convenience for carrying on this large business.  This is a most profitable going concern, having been established 48 years.  The turnover is 7000 pounds per year (proof given), and inspection is particularly invited.  Stock can be taken at valuation. Tenders also received separately (up to same date) for Branch Cash Store, turnover 1800 pounds per year, stock at valuation. Note.- The whole of the above is one of the best businesses in this large mining and agricultural district, and for a good man or firm is a sure fortune. The reason for Mr. Hammon selling is that he is going to live retired. Tenders with usual 10 per cent deposit condition. All particulars from R. Falla and Co, Estate Agents, Creswick. Grade: 8 Estimate: $7000 - 8000