A 19th Century Red Earthenware Object Found in Essex, Massachusetts that was Previously Attributed to John Bell in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania

Last week, I wrote about a nineteenth-century red earthenware food mold, which I discovered in an antique shop in downtown Essex, Massachusetts for under $60. Initially, I had felt the mold was probably an unmarked example made by John Bell (1800-1850) in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania during the 1850-1880 period (link to original article); however, knowledgeable feedback from Pennsylvania collector, Jeffrey Herb has suggested that the familiar glaze may indicate another Pennsylvania potter could be responsible, as well.

Apparently, this form is not unique to John Bell, as I had previously indicated. Instead, Willoughby Smith (1839-1905) also produced a similar red earthenware form in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The glaze color seen on the mold that I discovered is also more-commonly found on products produced by Smith. Unfortunately, I am not familiar, with what survives, from this form today, in respect to products that were made by John Bell versus Willoughby Smith; although, if auction results over the past ten-years are an indicator, then the molds made by Smith appear to be rarer today.

In 2011, Pook & Pook Auctions in Downington, Pennyslvania sold the partial lifelong Americana collection of the late-Lester Breininger, who was an important twentieth and twenty-first-century Pennsylvania-German potter. Breininger's collection was composed of mostly eighteenth and nineteenth-century products made in Pennsylvania.

The sale included the only Willoughby Smith red earthenware food molds that I am aware of today, which are very-similar to the object that I discovered in Essex, Massachusetts. Although, I have been told there are additional examples privately owned in Pennsylvania today. The pair sold for $2,200 at the podium, and $2,607 with the buyer's premium.

According to Pook & Pook, "This pair of 19th century redware food molds were made by Willoughby Smith in Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania. They are decorated with a mottled green and orange glaze. Each is impressed 'W. SMITH / WOMELSDORF.'"

Note: The unmarked food mold that I found is decorated with a mottled variegated green and orange glaze.

Food Molds Made by Willoughby Smith, Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania

 19th Century Red Earthenware Food Molds Made by Willoughby Smith - Berks County, PA

Each is Impressed 'W. SMITH / WOMELSDORF'
Circa 1850-1880

Each Stands 4 1/2" Tall

Each Measures 9" in Diameter

Ex-Lester Breininger Collection - Robesonia, PA
Sold for $2,607 in 2011

Photo Courtesy: Pook & Pook - Downington, PA

Food Mold Found in Essex, Massachusetts

19th Century Red Earthenare Food Mold

Possibly Made by Willoughby Smith - Womelsdorf, PA

Form was also Made by John Bell - Waynesboro, PA

Found in an Antique Shop in Essex, Mass.

Circa 1850-1880

Stands 5 1/4" Tall

Measures 8 1/2" in Diameter 

Another View of the Mold

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