An Important Example of Southeastern Massachusetts Red Earthenware that I Acquired from a Friend in Maine Today

I am writing two reports today that will both be short in length; however, the purpose isn't to write a detailed story about either object - especially, this first object. Rather, it's more about the visuals of this important piece. Fortunately, I was able to obtain the following prized jug this morning from a friend of a mine, who was setup at a flea market in Maine. The known history of this jug began last summer when it appeared at Todd's Farm Flea Market in Rowley, Massachusetts for $10. I don't know where the dealer got it from, but it is assumed that it must have been involved with a house clean out (or something related) where they could sell such an object for only ten-bucks. Obviously, I wasn't the initial buyer - I never saw it, but I have heard stories about it for the past year. From there, the jug was sold to a friend of mine who lives in Maine. This particular friend is a collector of mostly New England-made objects, but he also told me that he would eventually sell the jug to me.

Today, I ran into him at a Maine flea market - he said he was finally ready to sell the jug and he had it with him for sale. He said, "I hope I made your day!" My reply, "You made my week!"

This jug is absolutely incredible! It's spectacular! Unfortunately, the handle is long-gone - but, honestly, it doesn't really matter to me. From what I can see - this jug is decorated in seven different shades of colors. Seven! It is also decorated with multiple colors of slip, a double-lip around the rim, the typical thick rounded foot seen on southeastern Massachusetts products - and, a very-nicely applied set of comb decoration, as well.

Personally, I believe this jug is one of the finest examples of southeastern Massachusetts pottery that I have ever held from the eighteenth or nineteenth-centuries. It's definitely museum quality! What a find!?

Red Earthenware Jug

 18th/19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Made in Southeastern Massachusetts

Circa 1780-1820

Stands 8 1/4" Tall

Absolutely Breathtaking Decoration

Appeared at Todd's Farm Flea Market in Rowley, Mass. in the Summer of 2014

I Acquired it From a Friend Today at a Maine Flea Market

 Another View of the Decoration

 Another View of the Decoration

 Another View of the Decoration

 View of the Missing Handle

View of the Rounded Foot

The jug reminds me of this southeastern Massachusetts pitcher that Pook & Pook Auctions in Downington, Pennsylvania handled in 2007; however, I feel an argument could be made that the jug is decorated with more vibrant colors. It's likely the pitcher and the jug were made by the same potter around the turn of the nineteenth-century. 

Red Earthenware Pitcher

 18th/19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Made in Southeastern Massachusetts

Circa 1780-1820

Stands 8" Tall

Absolutely Breathtaking Decoration on this Pitcher, Too

Sold in Pennsylvania in 2007

Photo Courtesy: Pook & Pook Auctions - Downington, PA

Please Stay Tuned…Much More to Come...