Two Potential Examples of 19th Century Red Earthenware Produced in Galena, Illinois

Update: There has been much debate over this jug whether it was made in Illinois versus New England. I will continue to research this form and report back at a later time. I will also continue to research the jar.

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Facebook can be a wonderful resource for help with properly identifying antiques; although, I mostly use it for red earthenware. Earlier today, I posted pictures of this jug that I recently acquired from a private collection in New Hampshire, where this object also retained a history of ownership in northern New England. It was presumed that this jug was manufactured in Maine - and, I thought that it could have been made in southern Maine based on some of the key characteristics that it exhibits.

However, it was quickly brought to my attention through Facebook by Milwaukee, Wisconsin collector, Jim Bagley that the form and glaze found on this jug is a known style that is properly attributed to Galena, Illinois today. I was actually excited to learn this information since this jug fills an important area in my collection that had not really been represented. But I am also not that surprised to find this jug in northern New England since I have just recently discovered examples of nineteenth century Georgia and Alabama (or Edgefield, South Carolina) stoneware in various parts of Maine. This type of domestic utilitarian pottery has traveled since it was created - it traveled when it was used in the 1800s, but it has also traveled in the past 50 to 100 years as part of the antique industry. It is often difficult to explain why certain objects are found where they are discovered today without a strong context of family ownership.

Interestingly, I have also shown pictures of a similar glazed red earthenware jar that I bought when I first began regularly collecting redware about 15 years ago. I bought the jar from a single owner collection of folk art that had sold at Skinner in Boston.

The jar is marked with a stamped "1/4" mark. It appears that the mark was applied with individual stamps.

Skinner did not provide an attribution for this jar, but I now suspect that it could be a Midwestern-made object. The collection of folk art included a few dozen pieces of nineteenth century American red earthenware, which spanned makers from Maine, to Virginia, Ohio and a number of places in between. I should also mention that I have seen a few matching formed jars attributed to Maine before, but I have never been convinced of that attribution.

Note: Here is a link to an article that I posted at the beginning of May that further discusses pottery produced in Galena, Illinois. Although, I also mentioned a slip-decorated milk pan that was found on a shipwreck that was discovered on the shore of the Ohio River in Illinois. This article also shows three jugs from Galena, which reveal a similar double-lip as seen on the jug that is shown below.

Red Earthenware Jar

(Left) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Possibly Made in the Midwest

Possibly Made in Galena, IL or in that Vicinity

But Also Possibly Made Elsewhere

Stands 6 3/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

Red Earthenware Jug

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Possibly Made in Galena, Illinois
But Also Possibly Made in New England

Stands 8 7/8" Tall

Recently Acquired from a Private Collection in New Hampshire

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Jug

View of the Double-Lip Around the Rim
See Article for More Information About this Type of Rim

View of the Handle

View of the Base

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

Two Newly Acquired 19th Century Red Earthenware Jugs, Circa 1820-1860

Last weekend, I was able to acquire two colorful nineteenth century red earthenware jugs from a private New Hampshire collection that I believe were made in southern Maine, circa 1820-1860. Both of these jugs can be considered rare today for their own reasons, which include glaze, maker and/or region.

1) The first jug is decorated with a spectacular variegated orange glaze and covered with black or dark brown dots - this ovoid jug was also manufactured with a rare double lip that the potter created by adding an incised line around the rim.

I am not 100 percent convinced at where this jug was made, but similar handles are found on jugs that are attributed to the Bickford Pottery in Buxton, Maine today. I would not be surprised to learn that this jug was produced in Buxton, which is a potter's business that is known to have produced a variety of jug forms throughout the lifespan of the family-operated business, which remained relevant in the local red earthenware industry circa 1825-1880.

However, this jug could also be from Galena, Illinois, where similar styled jugs were also manufactured in the 1800s. The glaze color is also a style of glaze that is known from Galena. I will write more about this jug later this week.

2) I believe the second jug can be attributed to Hollis Centre, Maine, as a result of the distinct handle. I have seen this type of handle attributed to Hollis before on jugs that are usually somewhat more ovoid and squat. Although, the overall form of this jug is also comparable to known jugs from Hollis, where this jug exhibits a slightly longer neck than what is typically seen from this desired location.

1) Southern Maine Red Earthenware Jug

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Likely Made in Southern Maine or Illinois

Possibly Made at the Bickford Pottery in Buxton, ME
But Also Possibly Made in Galena, IL

Circa 1820-1860

Stands 8 7/8" Tall

See Article for More Information

 Another View of the Jug

View of the Handle

2) Southern Maine Red Earthenware Jug

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Likely Made in Southern Maine

Similar Shaped Jugs and Handles Are Attributed to Hollis, ME

Circa 1820-1860

Stands 7 3/8" Tall

See Article for More Information

 Another View of the Jug

View of the Handle

Similar Handles Are Attributed to Hollis, ME

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

A Remarkable Black Glazed Red Earthenware Pot that Recently Appeared at an Antique Show in New Hampshire

This large, monumental barrel-formed black glazed red earthenware pot was recently acquired by a friend at an antique show in New Hampshire; although, the pot was reportedly discovered years ago in southeastern Massachusetts. The form is reminiscent to some small rundlets that were produced in the southeastern Massachusetts potter's industry in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries; however, I am not convinced that is where this pot was manufactured since barrel-formed objects are known to have been produced elsewhere in coastal Massachusetts in the eighteenth century.

For example, the Bayley family (circa 1715-1799) in Newburyport and Rowley, Massachusetts is known to have regularly produced black glazed barrel-formed mugs in the 1700s; as a result, I feel this pot could have been made in southeastern Massachusetts, but it could have also been produced at many other locations along coastal Massachusetts, as well. I have also seen a similar style of interior decoration attributed to the Southwick Pottery in Peabody, Massachusetts, but I suspect that this style could have also been created elsewhere.

Personally, I find the interior on this pot to be remarkable, where it has been entirely decorated with a coating of slip-decoration. This characteristic is what ultimately leads me to believe that this pot was manufactured in the eighteenth century, which is when slip was regularly applied by many potters employed along coastal Massachusetts. The use of slip in this region began to decline dramatically after the American Revolution, especially as the nineteenth century approached.

Note: To my knowledge: this is the only pot like this that survives today - I do not know of any museum or private collection, where a comparable object is owned. This pot would have also originally been produced with a matching black glazed lid.

Monumental Red Earthenware Pot

Monumental 18th/19th Century Barrel-Formed Red Earthenware Pot 

This Pot was Likely Made Along Coastal, Mass.

Reportedly Found Years Ago in Southeastern Mass.
The Entire Interior Has Been Decorated with a Coating of Slip Decoration
This Pot Would Have Also Been Originally Made with a Lid

Likely 18th Century in Origin
Stands Approximately 15" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private New England Collection

 Another View of the Pot

Photo Courtesy: Private New England Collection

 Another View of the Pot

Photo Courtesy: Private New England Collection

 Another View of the Pot

Photo Courtesy: Private New England Collection

 View of the Interior
See Article for More Information About the Interior

Photo Courtesy: Private New England Collection

Another View of the Interior

Photo Courtesy: Private New England Collection

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

A Newly Acquired 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug that was Found a Few Years Ago in Knoxville, Tennessee

A similar shaped and size red earthenware jug was illustrated in the book 'Great Road Style: The Decorative Arts Legacy of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee,' which was published by the University of Virginia Press in 2006. According to the book's author, Betsy K. White, "The jug (pictured in the book) is covered with a lead glaze standing 15 1/2 inches tall having been made in the third quarter of the nineteenth century (post American Civil War). The jug is also incised at the base of the handle, 'M A CAIN Jug Maid by A B CAIN 1869.' 

Also according to White, "The large jug has a triple thumbprint at the handle base and sine waves incised between two rings at the shoulder. Though a significant amount of glaze has been lost, it is an important piece because the inscription documents it as Cain pottery, referring to Abraham B. Cain, who made the jug for his nephew, Martin, at the family pottery in Sullivan County, Tennessee."

With that said, I posted an article about the following jug last week, where I wrote that I had just acquired it through eBay from an antiques dealer in Arkansas; although, I also wrote that I would post a followup article once it arrived in the mail.

I had originally speculated that this jug was recently found in Arkansas; however, I actually misinterpreted that information, and the dealer told me that this jug was actually found a few years ago in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The rim, the handle, the incised lines, the three finger/thumb impressions at the base of the handle terminal, the glaze and the round footed base are all characteristics that I have seen on red earthenware that was reportedly manufactured in Northeast Tennessee in the nineteenth century. Although, it has also been suggested to me that this jug may be a very rare example of pottery from southwest Virginia.

I have also seen very similar formed jugs sell at Case Antiques in Knoxville, Tennessee, which have been attributed to the Cain Pottery - and, one of those jugs is also included in the article that I posted last week.

Note: Here is a link to an article that shows another rare example of 19th century Great Road red earthenware that I acquired in 2015, which was also made in Northeast Tennessee or Southwest Virginia; although, I suspect that it is more likely from East Tennessee. There was also a very similar example that sold at Crocker Farm in July 2015 with the same attribution.

Here is also a link to Betsy K. White's most recent book, 'Backcountry Makers: An Artisan History of Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee,' which was published in 2013 through the University of Tennessee Press - this book also examines utilitarian pottery that was produced in the Great Road region in the nineteenth century.

Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to the Great Road, East Tennessee

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to the Great Road, East Tennessee

Attributed to Either East Tennessee or Southwest Virginia
Likely Manufactured Around the American Civil War Period
Circa 1850-1875

Stands 11 1/2" Tall

Reportedly Found a Few Years Ago in Knoxville, TN
Recently Purchased from an Antiques Dealer in Arkansas
See Article for More Information

 View of the Glaze

 Another View of the Glaze

 Another View of the Glaze

Another View of the Glaze

 View of the Two Incised Lines that Surround the Jug

View of the Rim

A Matching/Similar Rim Style is Attributed to the Cain Pottery in Sullivan County, TN

 View of the Handle

 Another View of the Handle

 View of the Three Finger/Thumb Impressions Found on the Handle Terminal

Matching/Similar Finger/Thumb Impressions Are Attributed to the Cain Pottery in East TN

 Another View of the Three Finger/Thumb Impressions Found on the Handle Terminal

Matching/Similar Finger/Thumb Impressions Are Attributed to the Cain Pottery in East TN

View of the Rounded Foot and the Base

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

A Newly Acquired Red Earthenware Mug from Essex County, Massachusetts

I was lucky to recently privately acquire a rare late eighteenth or early nineteenth century red earthenware mug that is attributed to Essex County, Massachusetts. It was likely made in the potter's industry in South Danvers, Massachusetts, which would become Peabody, Massachusetts in 1855. Peabody was the location for where there was as many as a few hundred potters, who trained and worked in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries - this was the largest potter's industry in New England, which ultimately influenced many other potter's businesses and industries throughout the region.

I have not seen many red earthenware mugs that survive from Peabody; although, Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins (Early New England Potters and Their Wares) did find a black-glazed example, which is owned by the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. today. Her example was attributed to the Osborn family, which was the largest family of potter's in Peabody in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

I have studied the red earthenware collections at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts and the Peabody Historical Society - both museum's collections are primarily made up of locally produced pottery, which also retain a local history of ownership from the 1800s or 1900s. Surprisingly, this style of mug is not represented in either collection.

Note: There was a ton of pottery produced in Peabody, Massachusetts in the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries; however, stoneware has never been tied to this industry's production. It would be a major discovery today if stoneware could be tied to this industry, but there is currently no evidence to suggest that this type of production ever took place, even if it was just in an experimental level. However, I do not think it can be completely ruled out, either; although, I have seen a decent amount of archaeological evidence that proves stoneware was exported to the Salem and Peabody area from the stoneware industry in Charlestown, Massachusetts in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

To my knowledge, the industry in Peabody exclusively produced red earthenware for mostly utilitarian purposes; although, there was some decorative red earthenware produced in Peabody in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, as well. I believe that more red earthenware was produced in this industry than what is totally understood today - and, that would also suggest that more pottery survives from this industry than what is recognized. I have also found that what I would described as unique styles of slip decoration was produced in this industry throughout the eighteenth century. But I suspect that slip decoration may have also been utilized in the early 1800s.

Essex County, Mass. Mug Shown in the Front

Late 18th or Early 19th Century Red Earthenware Mug Attributed to Essex County, Mass.

Likely Made in South Danvers or Peabody, Mass.

The Mug is Surrounded by Objects that were also Made in South Danvers/Peabody, Mass.

Circa 1770-1820

Stands 6 5/8" Tall

View of the Handle

View of the Interior

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

Red Earthenware Drain Tile that was Likely Made in Exeter, New Hampshire that was Found in the Basement of an 18th Century Home in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

It has been almost two weeks now since I posted an article that focused on the production of nineteenth century red earthenware drain tile, which had been manufactured by George W. Wiggin in Exeter, New Hampshire. An example of Wiggin's production was also shown in that article that is owned today by the New Hampshire Historical Society in Concord, New Hampshire - interestingly, that example was also discovered in a field near Wiggin's business in Exeter.

Yesterday, I learned that an entire red earthenware drain tile system was found intact in the basement during the recent restoration of an eighteenth century house in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This house is owned today by antiques dealer, Hollis Brodrick, but it was also once owned by John Shilabur, who was listed as a Portsmouth potter in 1766. Shilabur is also known to have manufactured red earthenware with slip-decoration in similar styles to that seen in places like Newburyport, Massachusetts and Charlestown, Massachusetts during the period. I briefly discussed Shilabur's work in my latest published article in the April 2017 edition of the New England Antiques Journal.

The drain tile that was found in this house matches in form to what is seen with the tile that is attributed to Wiggin, which is owned by the New Hampshire Historical Society. Even better, one of the tiles from this house still retains its original copper lid.

However, based on the period that Wiggin was producing drain tiles, it should be expected that this drain tile system would have been installed into this house during the circa 1870-1890 period; although, I suspect that it was probably closer to 1870 with this property.

Red Earthenware Drain Tile System was Found in this House in Portsmouth, NH

18th Century Home in Portsmouth, NH

This House was Once Owned by John Shilabur, a Colonial Potter in Portsmouth, NH

A Circa 1870 Red Earthenware Drain Tile System was Found in the Basement of this House

The Drain Tile is Believed to have Been Made by George W. Wiggin in Exeter, NH

Photo Courtesy: Hollis Brodrick - Portsmouth, NH

An Example of the Drain Tile

19th Century Red Earthenware Drain Tile with Original Copper Lid

Attributed to George W. Wiggin in Exeter, NH

Circa 1870-1890

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Hollis Brodrick - Portsmouth, NH

Another View of the Drain Tile

Photo Courtesy: Hollis Brodrick - Portsmouth, NH

Another View of the Drain Tile

Photo Courtesy: Hollis Brodrick - Portsmouth, NH

View of the Copper Lid

Photo Courtesy: Hollis Brodrick - Portsmouth, NH

Another View of the Copper Lid

Photo Courtesy: Hollis Brodrick - Portsmouth, NH

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

A 17th Century Red Earthenware Mug Recovered at a Native American Burial Site in Warren, Rhode Island

According to the archaeology report, 'Burr's Hill: A 17th Century Wampanoag Burial Ground in Warren, Rhode Island,' "Burr's Hill is a natural gravel bank overlooking the eastern shore of the Warren River in what is now the southern part of Warren, Rhode Island. Before 1873, when the boundary between the towns of Warren and Bristol was moved, Burr's Hill had been situated at the northern end of Bristol. Both towns are important in Wampanoag history. According to local tradition, Warren was the site of Sowams, the principal village of the Wampanoag sachem Ousamequin, known to the Pilgrims as Massasoit.

Human remains were disinterred (dug up) repeatedly at Burr's Hill throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and early years of the twentieth century in the course of mining sand and gravel for various construction projects. 

Accidental finds continued to be made from time to time, stimulating a lively local controversy over the question of their origin. The prevailing view was that the individuals buried at Burr's Hill were Warren's aboriginal inhabitants , Wampanoag Indians, but there were dissenters in the town, who argued that, because of the many European-made objects found in the graves, the remains must be those of black slaves. The dispute was finally resolved when, in the spring of 1913, gravel mining operations again intruded into the burial ground and Charles Read Carr, a local resident and librarian of the George Hail Free Library in Warren, undertook the first and only systematic archaeological excavations ever conducted at the site. The remnants of straight black hair adhering to some of the skeletons, as well as the presence of wampum and stone tools among the grave goods, convinced Carr that Burr's Hill was in fact a Wampanoag cemetery."

A single completely intact example of what has been described as a domestic form of red earthenware was excavated by Carr at the site of Burr's Hill in Rhode Island. The archaeology report describes this object: "This is a reddish-brown lead glazed mug exhibiting a common seventeenth century vessel shape. While it is likely that this piece was made by a New England potter, it is (almost) impossible to make such an attribution with complete certainty. 

A domestic midden (dump) excavated in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, dating to the period 1640-1700, contained a substantial amount of lead glazed red earthenware with glaze and paste almost identical to the Burr's Hill mug. The source of this material is presently unknown, but it is possible that a potter was at work at the Portsmouth-Newport, Rhode Island area by the middle of the seventeenth century. But the possibility that the Burr's Hill mug is an import from the Massachusetts Bay Colony cannot be ruled out, either. Whether English or domestic, the mug's shape indicates that it was (likely) made during the 1630-1680 period."

Based on what has been proven in recent years about the eighteenth century Charlestown, Massachusetts potter's industry (active ca. 1635-1775), it would not surprise me if this mug was from Massachusetts since Charlestown red earthenware was shipped in quantity throughout New England in the 1700s. It is certainly possible that this mug may have originated in Charlestown, where the Drinker and Kettle (or Kettel) potteries were active during the period that was cited; although, this mug could have also been made elsewhere in Massachusetts, such as a potter's business that may have been located in southeastern Massachusetts.

Note: I have previously written a few articles about the availability of red earthenware in Rhode Island, which was a state that was not really known for its red earthenware production. Instead, it was a state that was heavily dominated by products made in southeastern Massachusetts in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

It has also recently been determined that all of the known artifacts recovered at Burr's Hill will be reburied since they were removed from a Native American burial ground. But I do not currently know if it has been decided when this will take place, yet.

17th Century Red Earthenware Mug Recovered in Warren, RI

17th Century Red Earthenware Mug Recovered at Burr's Hill in Warren, RI

This Mug was Recovered from a Wampanoag Burial Site

The Mug is Decorated with a Reddish-Brown Lead Glaze

The Mug is Thought to be a Domestic New England Product, Possibly Made in Massachusetts

Circa 1640-1680

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: 'Burr's Hill: A 17th Century Wampanoag Burial Ground in Warren, RI'

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

A 19th Century Southern Stoneware Pot Found Yesterday in Brunswick, Maine

This is a nineteenth century stoneware pot that I picked up yesterday while visiting flea markets along Maine's seacoast from Arundel, Maine to Wiscasset, Maine. I found this particular pot in Brunswick, Maine; however, I do not know anything else about this objects's history. The dealer was not able to provide me with any further information, but I assume this pot must have recently been found somewhere in Maine.

I had purchased this pot, as a result of the form and glaze, which reminded me of similar forms that were made in the Edgefield District in South Carolina in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Although, this pot also has an Alabama appearance to it, as well.

Nevertheless, I have searched through auction results and books on Alabama pottery, such as 'Alabama Folk Pottery' written by Joey Brackner, and the form does not appear (to me) to be related to what has been published on nineteenth century Alabama stoneware. However, there are a number of objects that survive today from Edgefield that are similar in size and form, especially pots with this style of collar around the rim. I was not able to find a related collar on any stoneware from Alabama.

In consideration, I believe this pot was made in Edgefield, South Carolina in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. But living in New England, the subject of southern stoneware is not a topic that I have a lot of experience with so by all means I am open to opinions on this pot.

Interestingly, it was just last week that I discovered a nineteenth century Georgia stoneware pot inside a shop in southern Maine, which had been altered into a lamp years ago. I do not necessarily collect southern stoneware, but I thought it was a terrific lamp, and I could not go wrong for only $20. These pots are definitely a long way from home!

Note: Here is a link to a blog written by Dr. Corbett Toussaint that discusses some of the new research that has been introduced about the Edgefield District in South Carolina in recent years.

Pot Found Yesterday in Brunswick, ME

 19th Century Stoneware Pot Possibly Made in Edgefield, SC

Similar Forms are Attributed to the Edgefield District Today

Although, It has Also Been Speculated that this Pot May Have Been Made in Alabama

Found Yesterday in Brunswick, ME

Circa 1850-1880

Stands 7 5/8" Tall

Another View of the Pot

 Another View of the Pot

 View of the Handle

 View of the Interior

View of the Base

Pot Found Last Weekend in Southern Maine

 19th Century Stoneware Pot Attributed to Georgia

Found Last Weekend in a Shop in Southern Maine

Circa 1880

Pot Stands 9 7/8" Tall

 Another View of the Pot

View of the Handle

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

A 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar that was Reportedly Made in Henry County, Missouri and Pottery Owned by the Missouri Historical Society

Red Earthenware Production in Missouri
According to the book, 'American Redware' by William C. Ketchum, Jr., "The westernmost midlands bastion of traditional red earthenware potting was Missouri, where the craft was introduced along the Mississippi River by early French settlers. Little trace of these eighteenth century kilns can be found, but soon after 1800 Anglo-Saxon potters found their way to the thriving river ports. The first center was St. Louis, Missouri, where George. W. Ferguson and Christian Smith were making ware before 1820. They were followed in the next decade by John Taylor and John Bradbury, who were active c. 1820-1830.

After 1840, the discovery of local stoneware clay deposits led to the gradual abandonment of red earthenware production, and only a few artisans, principally located  in the eastern part of the state, continued to pursue this branch of the craft. Best known of these are the Germanic potters of St. Charles and Hermann. 

In St. Charles, Missouri, located on the Mississippi River just to the northwest of St. Louis, Joseph Oser's kiln produced household ware in basic forms from 1847 until 1906. While coloring agents were occasionally added to the finish, typical St. Charles red earthenware bears only a clear lead glaze highlighting the orange-red body color. Forms, though somewhat "squatter" than those seen in places like New England and Pennsylvania are not greatly different from those being produced at the same time in eastern shops (therefore these Missouri objects can be mistaken for red earthenware produced elsewhere in America today). 

Joseph Oser Pottery - St. Charles, MO

19th Century Red Earthenware Spittoon Attributed to Joseph Oser - St. Charles, MO

Circa 1860

Link to Object on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Joseph Oser - St. Charles, MO

Circa 1860

Link to Object on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Cooler Attributed to Joseph Oser - St. Charles, MO

Circa 1860

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

Missouri red earthenware was also seldom marked; a rare exception is a jar impressed 'F. WOOLFORD/FARMINGTON, MO.,' which was made c. 1840-1850 in the community some forty miles south of St. Louis.

The first potter to work in Hermann, Missouri, midway between St. Louis and Jefferson City, was George M. Sohns, active between 1846 and 1867. Lead-glazed wares attributed to him include such traditional items as milk pans, nappies, preserve jars, pitchers, jugs and pie plates. Sohns was followed in the late 1880s and 1890s by a potter named Hoefer, whose output, reflecting changes in taste in the area, was primarily flowerpots."

George M. Sohns Pottery, Hermann, MO

19th Century Red Earthenware Flower Pot Attributed to the Sohns Pottery - Hermann, MO

Circa 1846-1867

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

A Jar Reportedly Found in Clinton, MO
The following black glazed red earthenware jar has been listed for a reasonable price on eBay for sometime - the jar was reportedly found in Clinton, Missouri, and that is also where it is believed to have been made. Clinton is located about 235 miles west of St. Louis.

I honestly know nothing about the production of red earthenware in Clinton; although, what strikes me about this jar is the fact that it could easily be mistaken for red earthenware produced elsewhere in America today. The form and generic glaze could be misinterpreted for red earthenware production in Pennsylvania, possibly Maryland, Ohio, maybe New Jersey and perhaps even New England. But it is also interesting to see that the base is intentionally glazed on this jar, which is a characteristic that is not common to nineteenth century utilitarian red earthenware potters; although, it is not unheard of, either.

According to the antique dealer, "Clinton, which is located in Henry County, Missouri is known for its fine clay and the area was once home to a number of potteries. There is great similarity found in this jar when compared to the red earthenware produced by Michael Jegglin in Boonville, Missouri in the 1800s, as well as Michael's son, E.A. Jegglin, who operated his own pottery in Calhoun, Missouri."

Jegglin Pottery - Boonville, MO

Michael Jegglin Pottery - Boonville, MO

Circa 1890

Link to Image on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

Notes: Here is a link to an article that I recently wrote about a red earthenware jar that was uncovered within a circa 1840-1880 archaeological context in St. Louis, Missouri. The form of this jar is similar to some jars that were also produced in Illinois during the period.

Here is also a link to an object that I find really interesting, which is currently also listed on eBay. The form, glaze and slip on this object somewhat reminds me of red earthenware that was produced by Moravian potters in places like North Carolina in the late eighteenth century.

And, this link will bring you to a book listed on Amazon's website that I feel is an excellent resource for the decorative arts produced in Missouri, which includes red earthenware production.

Jar Reportedly Made in Clinton or Henry County, MO

19th Century Black Glazed Red Earthenware Jar Reportedly Made in Henry County, MO

Reportedly Found in Clinton, MO

Reportedly Late 19th Century, Circa 1880-1910

But I Suspect that it Could Have Been Produced Earlier

The Base has also Been Glazed

The Lid is Reportedly Not Original and Said to Have Been Added Later

 Stands 8" Tall

Weighs 4.2 Pounds

Photo Courtesy: eBay

 Another View of the Jar

Photo Courtesy: eBay

  Another View of the Jar

Photo Courtesy: eBay

View of the Glazed Base

Photo Courtesy: eBay

Red Earthenware Owned by the Missouri Historical Society
These are some additional examples of red earthenware, which is attributed to Missouri that is owned by the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis.

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Missouri

Circa 1800-1900

Link to Object on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Miniature Pitcher Attributed to Missouri

Circa 1860s to 1880s

Link to Object on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Missouri

Circa 1850s

Link to Object on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher with Original Tin Handle 

Attributed to Schifferle Pottery - St. Louis, MO

Circa 1876

Link to Object on Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Missouri

Found Near St. Mary's, Missour

Circa 1860

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to Missouri

Circa 1850

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Missouri

Circa 1800-1860

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Missouri or Midwest

Circa 1800-1860

Photo Courtesy: Missouri Historical Society

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