Abner S. Wight: A Relatively Forgotten 19th Century Red Earthenware Potter from New Hampshire and Massachusetts

Recently, there was a discussion about the nineteenth-century New England potter, Abner S. Wight held on one of the social media platforms - the conversation revolved around an important red earthenware butter churn that was discovered on Cape Cod by antiques dealers, Paulette and Hilary Nolan years ago. The churn later sold to a private collector before it sold for nearly $15,000 at Northeast Auctions annual summer Americana sale in Manchester, New Hampshire nearly ten-years ago. The churn now resides in an important midwestern collection.

What made this churn so important is the inscription, "Abner S. Wight, Earthenware Manufacturer, Marlboro, New Hampshire June 23, 1847." This description is easily seen placed prominently across the churn just below the glaze line. Generally, Wight's work is rather unknown today. I thought tonight would be a good opportunity to discuss how some of his surviving output appears today.

 19th Century Red Earthenware Butter Churn Produced by Abner S. Wight

Made in Marlboro, NH with an Important Inscription

"Abner S. Wight, Earthenware Manufacturer, Marlboro, New Hampshire June 23, 1847"

Stands Roughly 15" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Northeast Auctions - Portsmouth, NH

Another View of the Churn

Photo Courtesy: Northeast Auctions - Portsmouth, NH

Soon after Wight produced this butter churn, he appeared in West Sterling, Massachusetts in the 1850's which is in the central section of the state. The difference between Marlboro, New Hampshire and West Sterling, Massachusetts is roughly forty-miles.

Map Shows Difference Between Marlboro, NH and West Sterling, MA

The Difference is Roughly 40 Miles

Photo Courtesy: MapQuest

There's not really a lot of published material that defines Wight's work in either New Hampshire or Massachusetts today. He is nearly a forgotten potter; although, he did sign some of his pottery which helps properly attribute a group of his red earthenware today. 

In general, all of the objects shown in this report are rare. From what I have studied - all of the objects that I know of today that were produced by Wight lack any kind of footed base. The general idea behind the churn's form made in New Hamsphire can be seen in each of the following examples that were made in Massachusetts. Most of the Massachusetts objects shown below are glazed in a deep maroon color with the exception of one jar; although it conforms with certain characteristics seen on the other jars.

The attributions on each of these objects shown below (besides the stamped jar) are created from the forms, clay color, wire cut bases, glaze color and artifacts recovered at Wight's Pottery in West Sterling. Generally, all of these objects date in the late-1850's and the early-1860's period.

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Made by Abner S. Wight in West Sterling, MA

The Jar is Stamped 'A.S. Wight'

Circa Late-1850's or Early-1860's

Stands 9 1/4" Tall

 Close Up of the A.S. Wight Stamp

  19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Made by Abner S. Wight in West Sterling, MA

The Form Matches the Signed Jar

Circa Late-1850's or Early-1860's

Stands 8 7/8" Tall

 View of the Handle

  19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Made by Abner S. Wight in West Sterling, MA

The Glaze and Clay Color Matches the Jars Above

Circa Late-1850's or Early-1860's

Stands 5 7/8"" Tall

  19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Made by Abner S. Wight in West Sterling, MA

The Form, Clay Color, Lack of Foot and the Wire Cut Base is Related to the Objects Above

Circa Late-1850's or Early-1860's

Stands 7 5/8" Tall

Collection of 19th Century Red Earthenware Miniatures Made at the Abner S. Wight Pottery

The Smallest Jug was Recovered at the Site of Wight's Pottery in West Sterling, MA

The Glazes All Match the Maroon Color Seen on the Jars Above

Circa Late-1850's or Early-1860's

(Left) Stands 2 3/8" Tall

(Middle) Stands 2 1/2" Tall

(Right) Stands 2 1/8" Tall

Please Stay Tuned…Much More to Come...