EarlyAmericanCeramics.com: A Jar that was Likely Made at the Wachusett Pottery in West Sterling, Massachusetts, Circa 1837-1881

Thursday, June 2, 2016

A Jar that was Likely Made at the Wachusett Pottery in West Sterling, Massachusetts, Circa 1837-1881

In association with the article that I posted earlier this morning - I want to show why I suggest that some of the objects made at the Wachusett Pottery in West Sterling, Massachusetts could be mistaken for products made in northern New England, especially in Maine before 1880.

I purchased this jar in Maine a few years ago at an auction - and, it was advertised as a Maine-made product, circa 1820-1860. However, the form is completely in-keeping with some of the jars that I posted in the earlier article about Abner S. Wight (1822-1890) today.

Traditionally, this is said to be a Maine-type of glaze, but the "form does not lie." This is an example of why attribution on glaze-alone is difficult, and often risky.

This is a type of form that was likely made at the Wachusett Pottery during the circa 1837-1881 period. The attribution is based on sherd evidence and jars that were stamped by Abner S. Wight when he was employed in West Sterling.

The reason that I have not suggested a tighter production period to specifically focus with Abner S. Wight's employment in West Sterling is a result of a slight variation in the form. That variation is found with the small collar around the neck, and along the rim where it slightly flares out.

This jar may have been made by Abner S. Wight; however, it may have been made by another potter employed at the Wachusett Pottery, as well. Nevertheless, I am confident that this is a product that was produced in West Sterling before 1881.