Two Pieces of 19th Century Red Earthenware Likely from Upstate New York

This nineteenth century red earthenware jar recently appeared on eBay and it was reportedly just discovered in upstate New York. I feel this is an object that is worth sharing today since it is said to have been made at the potter's industry in Western New York (but it could also be from Ontario); although, it is also decorated with slip-decoration, which appears to have been applied by a brush. I can only speak for myself when I say that I cannot recall having seen this exact slip technique before from Western New York.

From what I have seen, the vast majority of slip-decorated red earthenware produced in Western New York is attributed to the Nathaniel Rochester Pottery, as well as the potteries in West Bloomfield, New York. Whereas, some of the known slip from the Rochester Pottery somewhat resembles the slip technique found on this jar, but it is by no means an exact comparison - instead, the major difference being that the wares from the Rochester Pottery were often splashed or dripped with slip.

According to an article written in 1980 by George R. Hammell for 'Northeast Historical Archaeology,' "Slip-decorated red earthenware was produced in western New York from circa 1773-1850. Trailed slip-decoration upon wheel thrown-pans and deep dishes, upon a few hollow wares and upon drape-molded, coggle-rimmed plates were found at both the Nathaniel Rochester Pottery  site, circa 1818-1831 - and, the Wheeler Griffin-Alvin Wilcox Pottery site in West Bloomfield, New York, circa 1801-1830. There is limited archaeological evidence that similar wares were produced at other earthenware potteries in this region during the same period. 

Usually this trailed-slip-decoration was done in white slip only (appearing yellow through the glaze). However, several sherds pertaining to wheel-thrown pans and deep dishes, and to a few hollow wares have been decorated in both white and dark brown-black, or white and green trailed-slip.

Numerous fragments of drape-molded coggle-rimmed plates were also found at the Nathaniel Rochester Pottery site, which had been decorated in marbleized or joggled white slip. These plates are similar in both form and technique to decoration in 18th century wares produced in Philadelphia, England and France. A few of the Nathaniel Rochester Pottery examples had the marbleized white slip dusted with specks of copper green.

Fragments of two plain rim, drape-molded plates and a bulbous pot or jar and a cover from such a pot or jar were found at the site of the Nathaniel Rochester Pottery. The plates were decorated on their interiors, and the pot or jar and cover were decorated on their exteriors with white slip, manganese black and copper green dripped/splashed onto the clay body of the wares or into their glaze."

Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Jar

19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Jar Said to Have Been Made in Western New York

But Could Also Have Been Made in Ontario

The Jar was Originally Made with a Lid

Reportedly Just Found in Upstate New York

Stands 6 1/8" Tall

 See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: eBay

Another View of the Slip-Decoration

 Photo Courtesy: eBay

 Another View of the Slip-Decoration

 Photo Courtesy: eBay

 Another View of the Slip-Decoration

 Photo Courtesy: eBay

 Another View of the Slip-Decoration

 Photo Courtesy: eBay

 View of the Interior
This Jar Would Have Originally Been Made with a Lid

Photo Courtesy: eBay

View of the Base

Photo Courtesy: eBay

While we are on the topic of nineteenth century upstate New York red earthenware, I would also like to show this highly unusual red earthenware crock, which has been stamped "W:H::P:S::1812:" Each letter appears to have been created from an individual stamp, and the incised lines above and below the inscription were likely applied to keep the mark level. However, it is unclear if this mark is related to the War of 1812, or possibly even initials since the use of multiple colon punctuation appears to separate the W:H from the P:S. 

I should also mention that the form is similar to styles of stoneware produced in upstate New York, and the interior appears to be a brownish glaze, such as an Albany slip, which is highly unusual for red earthenware potters.

Nonetheless, this pot may be an example of red earthenware production from eastern upstate New York, an area that likely deserves a lot more attention today for its red earthenware production in the early-nineteenth century. This is an area that has received a lot of attention in the last century for its stoneware production, but I suspect there were also red earthenware potters mixed in with this industry.

Note: This crock sold through Pook and Pook Auctions in Downington, Pennsylvania in 2016, where they attributed it to Paul Cushman's pottery in Albany, New York.

Red Earthenware Crock Stamped W:H::P:S::1812:

Early 19th Century Red Earthenware Crock Likely Made in Eastern Upstate New York
The Form Resembles Similar Stoneware Forms

Stamped "W:H::P:S::1812"

Stands 11" Tall
See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Pennsylvania Collection

 Another View of the Stamped Inscription
Stamped "W:H::P:S::1812"
See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Pennsylvania Collection

Another View of the Stamped Inscription

Stamped "W:H::P:S::1812"

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Pennsylvania Collection

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