The American Pickers, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz actually paid Bill Johnson a visit not too long ago in Kennebunkport hoping to pick his property; however, they came away empty-handed. Mike Wolfe actually had a great interest in a bike that Bill Johnson owned, but he wouldn't part with the object - that bike, is now included in the three-part sale.
Today, my focus was the red earthenware portion of the collection that consisted of many Maine-made products, but there was also a good selection of American-made stoneware. It's my understanding that Bill Johnson found most (if not, all) of the redware he owned in the state of Maine. I believe that three of the four objects that I will discuss in this article are probably Maine-made products from the 1800's, which includes, what I perceive could be a very-important red earthenware hot water bottle.
John McInnis Auction Gallery - Amesbury, MA
View of some of the Selection of Stoneware
Another View of some of the Selection of Stoneware
View of some of the Red Earthenware that was Offered Today
Auction in-Progress
I bid on a total of four-lots this afternoon - and, I was lucky enough to bring home three of them. What I am going to do now - is show you the objects that I purchased in the order that the lots were won.
First, is this pair of jugs that were sold together in the same lot. The jug that is missing part of its handle is likely a legitimate example of Gonic, New Hampshire red earthenware produced in the nineteenth-century. The term 'Gonic' is a loosely phrased attribution today; however, I believe this is an accurate example from the Osborn Pottery in the Gonic neighborhood of Rochester, New Hampshire.
The second jug is the object that I really went after in this lot. This small jug is nearly flawless with a beautiful light-colored green glaze. Based on the form, I believe, this jug, was made by the Safford family in Monmouth, Maine around 1840.
19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Probably Made by the Safford Family in Monmouth, ME
Circa 1820-1860
Stands 6 1/4" Tall
Ex-Collection of William 'Bill' Johnson
19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Probably Made at Osborn Pottery in Gonic/Rochester, NH
Circa 1820-1840
Stands 6 1/4" Tall
Ex-Collection of William 'Bill' Johnson
Another View of the Jug
Ex-Collection of William 'Bill' Johnson
Next, is this medium-sized jug that I believe was made by the Norcross family in Farmington, Maine before 1850. It is difficult to tell from the pictures, but this jug exhibits a unique line that was placed by the potter just above the middle-half of the jug that caused an indentation. As far as I can see, this is a unique characteristic found at the Norcross Pottery today. Accompanying the jug, is an old label, that reads, "WM I. JOHNSON / AUCTIONEER / PUNKIN CENTER, ME.'
19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Probably Made by the Norcross Family in Farmington, ME
Circa 1820-1860
Stands 8 1/2" Tall
Ex-Collection of William 'Bill' Johnson
Another View of the Jug
Ex-Collection of William 'Bill' Johnson
View of the Old Label
Ex-Collection of William 'Bill' Johnson
Last, is this molded red earthenware hot water bottle that I believe was made in Portland, Maine in the 1850's. The reason I believe this was made in Portland is the result of recently seeing a very-rare stoneware hot water bottle in a nearly identical form that was marked 'J.T. WINSLOW / PORTLAND, ME.' I do not believe the red earthenware water cooler that I purchased today is a product of the Winslow Pottery; however, I believe that a potter, such as the Dodge Pottery in Portland, may have produced a similar form since J.T. Winslow was a major manufacturing of stoneware producing forms like this in Portland in the 1850's - and, possibly a similar form in the 1860's.
Ideally, my thought is that Benjamin Dodge, Jr., who owned and operated a second-generation successful redware business in Portland during the same period as Winslow - may have been inspired by Winslow's production - and, Dodge may have ended up producing his own form.
If you compare the two bottles below - you will see, that both bottles are also adorned with a similar decoration in relief. The stoneware bottle also includes Winslow's name in relief. Aside from the variations seen on the exterior in relief - these two bottles are the exact same size.
I will try and discuss more about this object at a later time, but I wanted to at least get it up this afternoon to be seen - and, so the comparison can be made between these two objects.
19th Century Hot Water Bottle Possibly Made in Portland, ME
Form and Size is Similar to a Stoneware Form Made at the J.T. Winslow Pottery in Portland, ME
Circa 1850's
Stands 10" Tall
Ex-Collection of William 'Bill' Johnson
Another View of the Bottle
Ex-Collection of William 'Bill' Johnson
Another View of the Bottle
Ex-Collection of William 'Bill' Johnson
View of the Base
Ex-Collection of William 'Bill' Johnson
J.T. WINSLOW STONEWARE HOT WATER BOTTLE
J.T. Winslow Stoneware Hot Water Bottle - Portland, ME
The Front of the Bottle is Marked with Winslow's named in Relief
Circa 1850's or 1860's
Stands 10" Tall
Photo Courtesy: Private Collection
View of the Decoration and Winslow's Name in Relief
Photo Courtesy: Private Collection
Another View of the Bottle
Photo Courtesy: Private Collection
View of the Back of the Bottle
Photo Courtesy: Private Collection
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
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