A 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug that was Recently Donated to the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society in Maine

An interesting nineteenth-century red earthenware jug was recently donated to the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society in Maine - the donor said the jug was originally found in a house in North Saco, Maine. They told the historical society that they felt it was made by the nineteenth-century potter, John Alld in Hollis, Maine - and, I agree with their attribution based on what I have seen in the past that has been attributed to Alld. I would also speculate that this jug was made during the circa 1840 period.

The speckled green and salmon-colored glaze is indicative to some of the glazes that Alld applied in Hollis Center; however, an object should never really be attributed on glaze alone. The defining features on an organized attribution should develop from the overall form. The features that stand out to me here that can be attributed to Alld's style are the rounded foot and the ovoid shape. Unfortunately, the handle is a real tell-tale sign on Alld objects - and, in this instance, the handle is missing. Although, it does help that I have seen this exact-style of glaze before on other Alld-attributed objects with a salmon-colored glaze decorated with green (copper) dots. I have also seen this same glaze on a nearly identical shaped jug before that was also attributed to Alld.

John Alld is a desired potter today - especially by Maine collectors. This was evident almost two-months ago at a recent Tim Gould sale in Augusta, Maine that saw two jugs (similar to the jug of discussion) sell for a combined $10,522.50 (not including sales tax). It was a surprising figure since the jugs did sell for less in different settings in recent years; however, Tim Gould's sales are highly regarded by Maine collectors, museums and antique dealers today as a place to purchase quality Maine-made antiques. Any type of object that has survived today from Alld's production is regarded as very-rare, which is a driving force (also, glaze color, skill and significance) of why prices are so strong today for this specific potter's work.

Interestingly, both of the jugs that sold at Tim Gould's recent sale stood seven-inches tall - the jug that was recently donated to the Buxton-Hollis Historical Society likely also stood about seven-inches tall if the handle and most of the jug's neck were not broken.

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Possibly Made by John Alld in Hollis, ME

Recently Found in a House in North Saco, ME

Circa 1820-1860

Stands 6 1/2" Tall

Base Measures 3 3/4" in Diameter

Photo Courtesy: Buxton-Hollis (Maine) Historical Society - Buxton, ME

Another View of the Jug

Photo Courtesy: Buxton-Hollis (Maine) Historical Society - Buxton, ME

 19th Century Southern Maine Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to John Alld - Hollis, ME

Circa 1820-1860

Stands 7" Tall

Sold for $7,475 on October 24, 2015

Photo Courtesy: Tim Gould Auctions - Augusta & Smithfield, ME

19th Century Southern Maine Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to John Alld - Hollis, ME

Circa 1820-1860

Stands 7" Tall

Sold for $3,047.50 on October 24, 2015

Photo Courtesy: Tim Gould Auctions - Augusta & Smithfield, ME

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