Middle Tennessee stoneware pottery preserving jar with dark alkaline glaze, stamped "J. A. ROBERTS" along the lower body. 10 1/2" H. Late 19th/early 20th century. History: Originally born in NC, Roberts learned the pottery trade from his father. He became an active potter in the Cookeville, TN area by the early 1870's and continued potting until after 1900. Research courtesy of Carole Wahler. Provenance: Private Southern Collection. (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com.)