Lot 135: Early Rare Bendigo Pottery Cuming Smith & Mt Lyell Farmers Fertilisers Ltd Stoneware Jug (now owner of Westfarmers)

Description

An important early agricultural stoneware jug. Cuming Smith & Mt Lyell Farmers Fertilisers Ltd commissioned custom salt-glazed stoneware containers such as this from the historic Bendigo Pottery (Epsom, Victoria) during the early 20th century. This jug features an unglazed base and a rich brown salt glaze over its body and handle, embossed with 'CUMING SMITH & MT LYELL FARMERS FERTILISERS LTD'. Cuming, Smith & Co. was founded in Melbourne in 1872 to manufacture agricultural chemicals and superphosphate fertilizer. Through mergers and joint ventures, the business formed part of Cuming Smith Mount Lyell (CSML) in Western Australia in 1927 and later became CSBP after British Petroleum acquired an equity stake in 1964. In 1979, Wesfarmers launched a takeover bid for CSBP. By 1986, Wesfarmers had purchased BP's remaining stake and assumed full ownership. The successor operations now form part of Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers (WesCEF). WesCEF remains in operation today on the Kwinana Strip. Key Details: * Origin/Era: Australian, 1930's. * Material: Stoneware with salt glaze * Style: Utilitarian, Advertising Collectible * Maker's Mark: "BENDIGO" near handle, for Bendigo Pottery, Victoria, Australia. Condition: The spout/opening shows significant chipping and loss around the threaded area. The surface exhibits overall wear, scuffs, and discolouration consistent with age and previous use. Interesting fact: * Chemical and fertilizer companies like Cuming Smith used durable ceramic vessels from Bendigo Pottery—Australia’s oldest working pottery—to safely store and transport industrial acids, liquids, and chemical products before modern plastics and mass-produced glass became standard. * Farmers Fertiliser Ltd. was also an Australian company, often associated with Cuming Smith, reflecting the period's agricultural industry. Use: This jug is an ideal collector's item for those interested in Australian industrial history, vintage advertising, or rustic stoneware ceramics.

Condition Report

Significant chipping and loss around the threaded spout/opening.

Specifications