A Rare Late-18th or Early-19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Charger Visits the Independence Archaeology Lab in Philadelphia

Since Independence Day is only a few days aways, I thought it would be a good time to show an object that I own, which is somewhat related to Independence Park in Philadelphia, where similar objects have been excavated at the site of Independence Park and other locations throughout the city. These contexts date as-early-as the few years that followed the conclusion to the American Revolution, circa 1780-1820. Although, locally produced slip-decorated red earthenware has been recovered in much earlier contexts in the city, as well. But these type of objects have also been recovered at archaeology sites to the north, south and west of Philadelphia.

Earlier this week, I was on vacation with my nephew, Jason - and, as part of our of vacation, we visited Philadelphia, along with archaeologist and materials specialist, Debbie Miller at the Archaeology Department at Independence Park.

We also thought it would be fun to bring along a terrific example of late eighteenth or early nineteenth century slip-decorated red earthenware from my collection, to the city, where it was originally manufactured. We compared this rare charger to some related artifacts that were excavated in eighteenth century contexts at Independence Park in the twentieth century.

Note: All of the artifacts shown in this article were press molded - and, these objects were also decorated with a crimped rim. It also appears that a similar slip cup was used to decorate most of these artifacts with the only difference being the technique that was used to apply the slip.

A Piece of Red Earthenware Returns Home to Philadelphia

 My Nephew, Jason Pictured with a Late 18th or Early 19th C. Charger Attributed to Philadelphia

There are a Number of Factors that Contribute to this Attribution

The Philadelphia Potter or Potter's Business Responsible for this Object is Currently Unknown

Circa 1780-1820

Measures 14" in Diameter

(Left) 18th Century Slip Decorated Artifacts Recovered in Philadelphia

(Right) A Similar Slip Cup was Used to Decorate the Charger 

 Photo Courtesy: Independence Archaeology Lab - Philadelphia

 View of the Back of the Charger and One of the Artifacts

 Photo Courtesy: Independence Archaeology Lab - Philadelphia

 (Left) 18th Century Slip Decorated Charger Recovered in Philadelphia
The Size, Clay, Crimped Rim and Decoration is Comparable to the Charger Shown to the Right

Photo Courtesy: Independence Archaeology Lab - Philadelphia

View of the Backs

 Photo Courtesy: Independence Archaeology Lab - Philadelphia

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