A Comparison of Products Made in Merrimacport, Mass and Peabody, Mass: A Quick Study of 19th Century Red Earthenware Made Near Each Other

I have always found it interesting seeing the similar styles used in Merrimacport (West Amesbury), Massachusetts and Peabody (South Danvers), Massachusetts in the nineteenth-century. William Pecker (1784-1820), later followed by the Chase Pottery (Ca. 1820-1860) in Merrimacport were the dominant suppliers around the Merrimac River during this period; although in Peabody it was a different story, with a large group of businesses all contributing to a largely successful industry. The two areas are separated by only a short distance. There were differences in both of these areas that set the businesses apart, but there were also strong similarities that tied these two areas together.

These two ensuing pictures show a stew pot and a pitcher made in these two areas. One represents the work of the potters in Merrimacport - while the other represents the potters of Peabody. If you notice, the glaze colors are similar, the handles are similar and each possesses an ovoid body. The footed bases are also similar. The clay color is even similar.

I know some of you reading this will know immediately who made which, but for those of you who do not - I will explain in my next report, which product was made where and the differences between the products made in Peabody and Merrimacport. I feel it is easy to mistake some products for either industry.

 19th Century Red Earthenware Stew Pot (Left) and Pitcher (Right)

Both Made in Massachusetts

Both Probably Made Before 1850

Notice the Similarities in Glaze Color

Notice the Similar Handles

I think this idea stands true with American utilitarian potters all/over during the eighteenth-and-nineteenth-centuries. There were a lot of similarities between products that were made in any specific area or industry. Often, characteristics were lent from one potter to the next - and even from business-to-business. This is what makes attributions difficult. Today, sometimes the more prolific potter or the better-known potter (or industry) is given credit for more than they really produced.

Stay Tuned…I'll Explain Soon Enough!