Lot 978: Pottery. Bellarmine with Bearded Man and Circle with Man's Bust to Mid Body.

Unknown. (N/A). Initially I thought this was a reproduction. But then inspecting under the base it looks like an original Bellarmine from centuries ago? This is quite small for a Bellarmine. There is a chip to the right edge of the handle. Small chip to mid right body. Kiln type mark to front right mid body. Some other minor marks. So - all good? Well, it also looks like it has been painted extensively, which must be to disguise restoration. The circle with the man's bust is odd for a Bellarmine, I can't say whether this was originally on this piece or not, it may be a later addition? Looks to have been some work to the front lip. The handle may have been repaired. Probably repairs to the body, but of unknown extent. Overall, I think this is a good, original item in a lovely small size, one which has mostly been intact but has required restoration of some sort, and possibly one that did not have the man's head to the mid body - but if that is original then this is quite a significant piece! Either way, a very interesting item. Estimate: $100-150