Initially, I thought both of these jars may have been marked with the number '11,' however, that seems redundant since these objects are also numbered on the base. The numbered bases were likely used to match the jars with a matching numbered lid. The lids were typically fired in a different area in the kiln - and, the numbers were used to match each lid with the proper object when the kiln was unloaded after a firing.
Try to imagine stacking a kiln, at which point the larger objects have been carefully positioned on the bottom, and the smaller objects are carefully stacked on top. Normally, (I assume) the lids would not have been fired in the same area in the kiln as were these jars.
An idea has also been suggested in the past, where it was said that most lids were manufactured to be a generic size that fit a certain formed object - but I have not found that to be the case with any lidded object, which I have ever handled that was made in New England
Similar subtle marks were used by some nineteenth-century stoneware potters in the Edgefield-area in South Carolina; although, I do not believe there is any direct relationship. But I do find the marks on the following jars intriguing while trying to decipher what they potentially mean. I should also mention that these are undoubtedly intentional marks.
I assume that these marks could be a potter's mark, but this may have also been a way to mark a certain group of objects, which were purchased by a particular client or a merchant.
Jar Number One
19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to the Safford Pottery - Monmouth, ME
Stands 9" Tall
Circa 1840-1860
View of the Slash Marks
Jar Number Two
19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to the Safford Pottery - Monmouth, ME
Stands 6 1/8" Tall
Circa 1840-1860
View of the Slash Marks
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
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