Preliminary identification

McCormick Platte Valley Straight Corn Whiskey Stoneware Jug

Photo reference

3 uploaded photos

Overview

A classic two-tone stoneware whiskey jug featuring embossed shoulder lettering and a blue transfer-printed label. This vessel was designed to evoke the rugged, frontier spirit of Missouri's historic distilling tradition.

Story

Weston, Missouri, has been a hub of American spirit-making since 1856, when 'Stagecoach King' Ben Holladay founded the distillery to supply thirsty travelers heading West.

Maker / Origin

The McCormick Distilling Company is the oldest distillery site west of the Mississippi still operating in its original location.

Condition & Value

The jug appears to be in good structural shape, though it is missing its original cork and contents. There is a prominent torn orange inventory sticker on the front that should be removed with care to avoid lifting the blue transfer print. Some minor shelf wear and grime are visible on the unglazed foot ring.

Full Research

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

▲ Strong maker attribution with credible period details
▲ Better-than-average condition for the category
▲ Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

▼ Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
▼ Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
▼ Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD