A Very Important Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Creamer Owned by Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts

After my day in Brimfield, Massachusetts wrapped up today - I decided to drive over to Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts this afternoon, to view a collection of pottery that was on display in the museum. The collection had previously descended in the family of Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins (1873-1982) until it was donated to the museum late last year. The exhibit was tastefully assembled, showcasing wonderful examples of New England-made pottery from the eighteenth and nineteenth-centuries. However, I was shocked to see a slip decorated red earthenware creamer included in this exhibit that certainly dates from the 1700's - and, it strongly demonstrates slip techniques that were used by the potters, who worked in the overly important Charlestown, Massachusetts potter's industry before the Battle of Bunker Hill happened on June 17, 1775. I haven't had the opportunity to ask the museum, yet if there is a provenance for the creamer. I also apologize for the photo quality - unfortunately, the lighting for this exhibit wasn't the best and all I had with me to take pictures with was my iPhone.

 18th Century Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Creamer 

Very-Possibly Related to the Potters, Who Worked in Charlestown, MA

Similar Slip Techniques Have Been Seen on Sherds Collected in Charlestown, MA

Probably Dates Before 1775

Stands Approximately 4-5" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, MA

 View of the Slip Decoration

Photo Courtesy: Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, MA

 View of the Front of the Creamer

Photo Courtesy: Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, MA

View of the Handle

Photo Courtesy: Old Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, MA

Without getting too in-depth with this report, I am now going to show you sherds collected in Charlestown from the archaeology conducted on behalf of the Big Dig Project in the 1980's with similar styles of slip. These were all collected in contexts that predate the American Revolution. Also, shown below is a lidded pot that sold at a Tim Gould auction in Gardiner, Maine last fall, which is believed to be among the only known surviving examples of Charlestown pottery known today. It is very possible that it could be the only example known - until, this creamer emerged at Old Sturbridge Village, which I believe has a strong case to be a Charlestown product. You will see below that these sherds and products exhibit similar swags and dots in slip as seen on the creamer above.

 18th Century Charlestown, MA Red Earthenware Tankard

Recovered from a Privy (Trash Pit) at the Three Cranes Tavern in Charlestown, MA
Dates Before 1775

Similar Dotted Slip is Seen on the Creamer of Discussion

Photo Courtesy: Boston Archaeology Dept. - West Roxbury, MA

  18th Century Charlestown, MA Red Earthenware Tankard

Recovered from a Privy (Trash Pit) at the Three Cranes Tavern in Charlestown, MA
Dates Before 1775

Similar Dotted Slip is Seen on the Creamer of Discussion

Photo Courtesy: Boston Archaeology Dept. - West Roxbury, MA

A Closer Look at the Dotted Decoration

Photo Courtesy: Boston Archaeology Dept. - West Roxbury, MA

 (Left) Pot that Sold at a Tim Gould Auction in Augusta, ME Last Fall

Both Pots Exhibit Similar Slip Decorated Swag Designs Like that Seen on the Creamer Above

Photo Courtesy: Boston Archaeology Dept. - West Roxbury, MA

 (Left) Pot that Sold at a Tim Gould Auction in Augusta, ME Last Fall

Both Pots Exhibit Similar Slip Decorated Swag Designs Like that Seen on the Creamer Above

Photo Courtesy: Boston Archaeology Dept. - West Roxbury, MA

Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...