A 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Discovered at an Estate Sale in Gloucester, Massachusetts

Earlier today, I discovered this early-to-mid nineteenth century red earthenware jar at an estate sale at an old cottage in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The entire cottage was filled with antiques; although, the homeowners were only selling part of their collection, which they had set up in their driveway.

I believe this jar was made in Essex County, Massachusetts, such as the potter's industry in Peabody, Massachusetts; whereas, the color of the clay and the bright orange glaze are characteristics that I have recovered on sherds from various contexts in the Peabody-area, which include the site of one of the Osborn Pottery kilns not too far from Salem, Massachusetts.

Interestingly, this jar was made by the same potter as was a matching jar that is owned today by Historic Deerfield in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Historic Deerfield's jar was brokered into the museum a few years back as part of the 'William T. Brandon Memorial Collection of American Redware and Ceramics.'

The museum's jar also retains a history of ownership, where it was reportedly acquired in Wilmington, Massachusetts in 1915 - this information is written on the base in pencil. Wilmington is also located less than twenty-miles from Peabody.

Note: Here is a link to Historic Deerfield's jar listed on the museum's website - I should also mention that the museum's jar has been inscribed at base with the number "16." Currently, I do not know what this number represents and the jar that I found is not marked with any type of number.

Jar Found in Gloucester, Mass.

Early-to-Mid 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Likely Made in Essex County, Mass.
Possibly Made in Peabody, Mass.
Discovered at an Estate Sale in Gloucester, Mass.
Stands 12 1/2" Tall
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View of the Interior Glaze
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Jar Owned by Historic Deerfield

 Early-to-Mid 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Likely Made in Essex County, Mass.
Possibly Made in Peabody, Mass.
Reportedly Acquired in Wilmington, Mass. in 1915
Stands 7 7/16" Tall
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Historic Deerfield - Deerfield, Mass.

 Jar Marked with an Inscribed "16"
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Photo Courtesy: Historic Deerfield - Deerfield, Mass.

Old Writing on the Base

Says the Jar was Acquired in Wilmington, Mass. in 1915

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Photo Courtesy: Historic Deerfield - Deerfield, Mass.

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