A Red Earthenware Pitcher that was Discovered Years Ago in Newburyport, Massachusetts

As I have already indicated, I began studying the Spencer-Pierce-Little Farm Archaeology Collection from Newbury, Massachusetts with Professor Mary Beaudry at Boston University. This morning, I would like to quickly show this wonderful little nineteenth-century red earthenware pitcher that she gave to me yesterday - she said she found it years ago at an indoor type flea market on the waterfront in Newburyport, Massachusetts.

Initially, I had thought this object was made by William Pecker in Merrimacport, Massachusetts, circa 1790-1820; however, I closely examined this pitcher yesterday afternoon, and I now believe it was likely made at the industry in Peabody, Massachusetts, circa 1780-1840.

A similar formed pitcher was recovered at the Narbonne House in Salem, Massachusetts in a late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth-century privy - and, that pitcher was also attributed to Peabody in the archaeology report.

Often, it is difficult to differentiate between Essex County products made in Peabody and Merrimacport, but there are slight differences to look for, which ultimately set the two areas apart. In this case, the rim, the handle and the base are what basically swayed my opinion to suggest a Peabody attribution.

Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Likely Made in Peabody, Mass.
Found by B.U. Professor and Archaeologist, Mary Beaudry in Newburyport, Mass.
Circa 1780-1840
Stands 6 3/8" Tall

Another View of the Pitcher

Another View of the Pitcher

View of the Handle

View of the Lid
The Lid Appears to be Original to the Pitcher

View of the Interior

View of the Base

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