Sold for A$1,400
B. Governa / Leeton / N.S.W // "Bendigo Pottery". (New South Wales) Demijohn Impressed Two tone, chocolate top, off white body. Impressed. 1 Gallon. 294 mm. 1920s
Excellent. In the early 1900s, Baptiste Governa had a winery at Mitchell's Creek near Nagambie in Victoria. In 1905 he had the Enterprise Winery at Graytown, also near Nagambie, this property was up for sale in 1914 with Governa "leaving for the Continent". Governa also had a sawmill at Major's Creek near Graytown that he sold in 1909. There is a demijohn from Governa, Nagambie. In 1922 he was advertising his farm for sale in Leeton. In 1926 he was the proprietor of the Gaiety Theatre in Leeton. It seem that he was a busy man, he is listed as having a winery in Leeton in 1924, but his name is mentioned in many other fields as well, including many court appearances for various reasons. A Worldly man, I get a feeling one could write an interesting book about him! Anyway, back to the demijohn, we have never seen another. Tiny glaze nick to inner lip. Small flake under front base edge. Pottery blowout to front upper right body. Lump to left of this has some high point wear. Some discolouration to the body. Some scratches to be found. A few little spots of wear. Lovely dark neck glaze has crazing. Great impression with really dark glaze in it makes it stand out, much like this demijohn - a stand out! Grade: 8 Estimate: $$300.00 - $400.00
