A Red Earthenware Jug that was Recently Discovered in a Small Shop in Central New Hampshire

I have always found it fascinating to see the similarities between some of the red earthenware jugs, which were produced by the Clark family, primarily by Peter Clark (1743-1826) in Lyndeborough, New Hampshire in the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century when compared to most of the jugs that were produced at the William Pecker Pottery in Merrimacport, Massachusetts during the same period. I suspect that it was a result of both potters having originally trained in Essex County, Massachusetts in the 1700s. But the similarities can be uncanny with the only major differences found in some of the jugs being the two distinct handles from each potter's business and a slight variation in the rims. I also suspect that there may be more to this story, but I have, yet to determine that connection.

Nevertheless, the following green-glazed jug that is decorated with specks of manganese and orange halos is an excellent example of the similarities that I just described; although, this jug is likely an example of the Clark family's production in the Lyndeborough, New Hampshire-area in the late-eighteenth or early-nineteenth century. I also believe that this jug may have actually been made by Peter Clark.

I found this jug last weekend with my niece, Alexis inside a small shop in central New Hampshire - the jug's form, especially the handle is very-similar to a double-handled jug that is owned by Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts that is believed to have been made by Peter Clark, circa 1786.

Old Sturbridge Vilage's jug is inscribed "OLIVER LAURENCE / LYNDEBOROUGH / OCTOBER 18, 1786." This may have been the same Oliver Laurence (1728-1797), who was a Revolutionary War soldier and town selectman, who lived nearby in Hollis, New Hampshire with his wife, Mary Cummings (1733/34-1799) and 11 children.

Note: For more information about the Clark family, I suggest this link, which will redirect you to an article that I wrote, titled, 'A Pottery Moves to New Hampshire: Peter Clark and His Family in Lyndeborough,' which was published last summer in the New England Antiques Journal.

Jug Recently Found in Central New Hampshire

 Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed to the Clark Family Likely in Lyndeborough, NH
Possibly Made by Peter Clark, 1743-1826

Recently Found in a Small Shop in New Hampshire

Circa 1780-1830

Stands 8 3/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Jug 

 View of the Handle
See Article for More Information

 View of the Rim
See Article for More Information

 View of the Foot at the Base

View of the Base

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