EarlyAmericanCeramics.com: A 19th Century Southern Stoneware Pot Found Yesterday in Brunswick, Maine

Sunday, May 21, 2017

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