A Rare Red Earthenware Pitcher that Sold at Sotheby's in New York City in 2012

Since Antiques Week in New York City is upon us - I figured today that I would write an article related to this event. When I was going through some of the past auction listings for Sotheby's Americana Department in New York City yesterday I came across the following group lot. Sotheby's is known for grouping together large collections of red earthenware (like this) and selling them as a single allotment. Rarely, would the auction house sell a group of pottery like this individually - or, it would hardly happen during the city's antiques celebration.

There were some really great pieces of nineteenth-century red earthenware in this lot - many of the objects exhibit some type of slip decoration, too. I would also say that most of the lot was made up of products from the Mid-Atlantic region. Ultimately, this is an instant collection.

On sight alone, I can see some obvious Shenandoah Valley in Virginia red earthenware products - and, there are also some unmistakable Pennsylvania-made forms, too. For example: the large pitcher seen in the middle at the top of the photo (between two plates) retains an old George S. McKearin sticker - McKearin was a prominent collector of glass and utilitarian pottery many years ago. It's a desired label by collectors today. This pitcher was likely made in Pennsylvania during the 1840-1880 period.

These objects were all consigned to Sotheby's in 2012 as part of the Muriel and Foster McCarl, Jr. Collection. The lot was given a pre-auction estimate of $6,000-$8,000 and it achieved a similar price selling for $7,500 including the buyer's premium.

Group of 19th Century Red Earthenware that Sold at Sotheby's in NYC in 2012

Ex-Collection of Muriel and Foster McCarl, Jr.

Sold for $7,500 Including the Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Sotheby's - NYC

There is an object in this group lot that really stood out to me - that object has been circled below. Sotheby's identified this eight-inch pitcher as a "green and cream decorated small pitcher, probably from the 20th century." However, this is actually a really rare product from the 1800's - and, it is in my opinion that this is the best object in the entire lot.

This pitcher was actually likely made at the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Massachusetts after 1866 - that's when the business was established. I have never seen this form from the Lawrence Pottery before - thus, why I feel it is the best object. I have seen similar forms; however, this form differs a little with the exaggerated ovoid body.

For a brief history: Charles A. Lawrence was a Portuguese migrant potter, who trained in Essex County, Massachusetts before 1866. He apprenticed at the Joseph Reed Pottery (formerly the Osborn Family Pottery) before he ventured nearby to Beverly, Massachusetts where he produced a wide range of pottery until about 1906. I believe this pitcher dates from the business' younger years of operation.

These type of multi-slip decorated products, which were made in Beverly are often mistaken for Pennsylvania-made products today - and, that's possibly why this object was kept with the rest of this collection. This style of slip is rarely seen in New England in the 1800's; although, it was popular with some Mid-Atlantic potters during the same period.

(Circled) 19th Century Slip Decorated Pitcher Attributed to the C.A. Lawrence Pottery - Beverly, MA

This is a Very-Rare Form

Circa 1866-1870's

Stands 8" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Sotheby's - NYC

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