My Adventures at the Brimfield, Massachusetts Antique Shows - July 2014: Day 1

I was up with the birds this morning before dawn (at 4:00am) - and shortly after that - I was en route to the antique shows in Brimfield, Massachusetts. I went alone. I parked my car around 5:30am - and by 5:45am - I was walking around some of the antique filled fields to begin my day of picking.

Today was a more difficult day when compared to some of my easier days, but never-the-less, I did find a couple of appealing discoveries of early American utilitarian pottery. It was a hot and humid day - that really took its toll as the day went along. The day required lots of water and sunscreen.

I am going to keep this report brief tonight - since I am pretty tired after a long day. I am also back at it again in the morning with shows at 6:00am, 9:00am and at noon - so I would like to get to bed early this evening. I spent much of the day with a friend of mine, Pennsylvania antiques dealer, Greg Kramer talking about all kinds of pottery. He has decades of experience in the antiques business - and related scholarly fields. He is also a very strong source for when it comes to a variety of utilitarian wares (especially with Pennsylvania products). I even helped in his booth for a little bit.

Tomorrow I am looking forward to seeing many other friends and people I do consider to be mentors.

This is what I found - the first is a wonderful large red earthenware batter pitcher likely made at Charles A. Lawrence's Pottery in Beverly, Massachusetts between 1866-1872. I have never seen this form attributed to C.A. Lawrence Pottery before; although the glaze and slip decoration are nearly unmistakable for nineteenth-century Beverly-made red earthenware. Products from the 1866-1872 period are considered very rare today. Not many have survived - because after 1872, Lawrence changed the entire focus of his company with traditional utilitarian red earthenware products taking a backseat to his new exceptional visions and creations. These following photos don't do this pot due justice - the colors are better seen in person. It's just a wonderful piece!

 Likely C.A. Lawrence Pottery Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Batter Pitcher - Beverly, Ma

Discovered Today in Brimfield, Ma

Stands 8" Tall

Ca. 1866-1872

 Typical C.A. Lawrence Pottery Handle

 The Colorful Impurities Seen in the Glaze are Great

The Colors are Wonderful

The second discovery is likely related to red earthenware made in Vermont - any of which, is considered very rare today. It's a nice jug with a great glaze that is possibly related to red earthenware made in Middlebury and New Haven between 1820-1860. I've gone back and forth on whether this jug could have been made in Maine or Vermont due to its glaze color; however I have seen similar glazes properly attributed to Vermont and I feel this jug falls in line with those products. 

I will have more to write about Vermont red earthenware in the coming weeks - so you can look forward to reading about that if you have an interest.

 Likely 19th Century Vermont-Made Red Earthenware Handled Jug

Discovered Today in Brimfield, Ma

Stands 6" Tall

Ca. 1820-1860

Straight On Shot of the Handle

Wonderful Colored Glaze

I'm back at it in Brimfield tomorrow - so please stay tuned for that! I hope to have a few more stories to tell. I am hoping for at least one!

Much More to Come...