A 19th Century Red Earthenware Bottle Attributed to Vermont with a Wonderful Provenance that Sold Today in Williston, Vermont

Last week, I posted an article about a group of Vermont-made red earthenware that sold earlier this month at a Duane Merrill auction in Williston, Vermont. I had written that the type of red earthenware made in Vermont is a subject that is not widely known today; although, there was in-fact an industry in the 1800s.

Nevertheless, another piece of nineteenth century red earthenware that was likely made in Vermont just sold at another Duane Merrill auction in Williston today. I also believe this to be a rare object that the auctioneer described as having been made in central Vermont.

According to Duane Merrill & Company, "This early-nineteenth century red earthenware ovoid bottle decorated with incised rings and wavy lines was probably made in Addison County, Vermont. It was consigned from the lifelong collection of well-known Vermonteers, Jeanette & Gertrude Lepine, which also included family pieces from the farm. The Lepine sisters are well-known for having encouraged many Vermont artists, as well as operating the Mud City Antique Market for years."

There was also a book written by Evelyn Earl Geer and published about the Lepines in 2012, titled, 'The Lepine Girls of Mud City: Embracing Vermont;' "The Lepines' story began in Quebec from where Maurice and Imelda immigrated to Vermont during the Great Depression. The family farmed, lived off the rich Vermont landscape and instilled a love for it in their daughters, Gert, Jeanette and Theresa. As adults, 'the Girls' taught school, traveled the world and worked for President Johnson, but never forgot their roots. All three returned to Mount Sterling Farm, raising their famed Jersey cows and embodying Vermont's agricultural tradition. Their story is one of hope and valor - of family who loved their home and neighbors and left their land as a lasting gift for the world."

Geer also cited the Mud City Antiques Market throughout the book, "Mount Sterling Farm in Mud City  - Gert's farm, where the whole family had once lived is now where 'the Girls' reside - is an eclectic art gallery as well as a cozy home with a woman's touch. An antique hutch sits in the corner of their dining room decorated with Hummels, family photographs, cards and letters. In summer, there is always a bouquet of fresh wildflowers as a center piece on the dining room table.

There's a life-size antique horse in the living room, acquired during Jeanette's day when she ran Mud City Antiques Market, held at her farm."

Today's sale also included a nineteenth century Essex County, Massachusetts red earthenware jug, another nineteenth century red earthenware jug probably from northern New England, as well as a nineteenth century northern New England red earthenware milk pan. But there were many more objects that sold, as well - and, at the time of writing this article, the auction is still happening.

Note: Here is a link to the Lepine Collection of Vermontiana auction catalog listed through LiveAuctioneers.

19th Century Red Earthenware Bottle

19th Century Red Earthenware Bottle Attributed to Vermont

Reportedly Made in Addison County, Vermont

Circa 1800-1840

Stands 7 7/8" Tall

Link to Original Auction Listing

Photo Courtesy: Duane Merrill & Company - Williston, VT

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

The Old E. Swasey & Company Pottery Building in Portland, Maine Today

I have previously cited a large brick building, where the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery once operated in Beverly, Massachusetts, circa 1866-1906. Unfortunately, this building is long gone; although, what always stood out to me about the building from what I have seen through old photographs, which are owned by the Beverly Historical Society is how the company's name had been prominently painted on the building.

There is a nineteenth century brick building with a similar style of paint that can be seen today near the waterfront at 273 Commercial Street in Portland, Maine; this building was once the location of the E. Swasey & Company Pottery, circa 1890-1930. It is remarkable to see this building today still prominently painted with the Swasey name.

Eben Swasey was an Exeter, New Hampshire trained potter; however, he was in Portland, Maine by 1876, where he reportedly acquired and operated a red earthenware business with another Exeter trained potter, Rufus Lamson. They had purchased the Dodge Pottery, which is a red earthenware potter's business that deserves a lot more research and recognition today. I have recently written a few articles about the archaeology of the related Dodge Pottery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and I believe that the Dodge Pottery in Portland was just as successful.

According to Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins (Early New England Potters and Their Wares), "Upon the death of Benjamin Dodge, Jr. in 1876, the Dodge Pottery was purchased by Rufus Lamson and Eben Swasey. The Portland directories list this firm from 1877-1883. But by 1882 they had become manufacturers of stoneware. In 1884, Lamson's name is missing, with the name Swasey, Jones  & Company. From 1886-1889 the firm name was Swasey, Lamson & Company. In 1890 it was run by Eben Swasey, his son, Fred D. Swasey and George A. Young as E. Swasey & Company and was then known as the Portland Pottery Works. By this time we may be sure the output had assumed a wholly commercial character."

Eben Swasey's youngest son, Perley Swasey joined the business in the late-1890s; whereas, the business continued to prosper on a commercial level even after Eben's death in 1906. This business eventually ceased operation in 1930, as-a-result of the Great Depression, but there may have been other factors, as well.

Nevertheless, it is definitely exciting to see this building still standing today, especially since so many similar buildings were torn down across America in the twentieth century. The smaller Dodge Pottery used to be located in this part of Portland, circa late-eighteenth century to 1876, where the Dodges produced skillfully made household red earthenware. However, this building shows how production standards had changed in the mid-to-late-1800s and early-1900s; whereas, an Industrial building was now needed for production.

The stoneware forms that this business is known for today include crocks, jugs, bean pots and bottles, among many other items. Many of these objects were also marked.

Note: Here is a link to a wonderful circa 1880s stoneware crock decorated with a dog that is marked "Lamson & Swasey / Portland, ME," which sold at Crocker Farm in Sparks, Maryland in 2013.

E. Swasey & Company Buildings, Circa 1890

E. Swasey & Company Buildings in Portland, ME

Circa 1890

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Maine Historical Society - Portland, ME

E. Swasey & Company Building, 2017

E. Swasey & Company Building in Portland, ME Today

The Building is Used as Part of an Industrial Park Today

 The Building Houses Condos and Retail Stores

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Building

Another View of the Building

Another View of the Building

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

An Important 18th Century Red Earthenware Punch Bowl Owned by the Brooklyn Museum in New York City

Last weekend, I visited the Brooklyn Museum in New York City with hopes that I may encounter an important example of American-made utilitarian pottery that I had never seen before. I was not let down, either when I found an absolutely remarkable large late-eighteenth century red earthenware punch bowl on display in the 'American Art Galleries' on the fifth floor. This bowl stands over seven-inches tall and measures more than sixteen-inches in diameter.

According to the Brooklyn Museum, "This bowl is rare for its extraordinary size and its political inscription. Celebrating the launching of a new ship, the inscription around the top reads, 'Success to the Trade and Navigation in All Free States - North (Hudson) River' with 'August 17, 1792-Albany Packet Two Brothers.' 

However, the inscription at the bottom reads 'Freedom to the G.W.' This abolitionist sentiment reflects a late-eighteenth century plan to gradually emancipate all enslaved African people. 'G.W.' may refer to George Washington, who was sympathetic to this plan, although he remained a slave owner until he died in 1799. His will freed the enslaved people he owned in his household."

The packet that this bowl references was a medium-sized boat that was used to deliver mail between ports. I would not be surprised to learn that this bowl was made in Philadelphia; whereas, I have previously written about a late-eighteenth or early-nineteenth century Philadelphia-made red earthenware dish, which archaeologists recovered in Albany, New York from eighteenth and nineteenth century landfill that is located next to the Hudson River today.

Note: Here is a link to this object listed on the Brooklyn Museum's website in New York City; however, the Brooklyn Museum also owns an incredible selection of American-made stoneware. For more information: I suggest visiting the museum or searching the museum's website.

Important 18th Century Bowl

 Late-18th Century American-Made Red Earthenware Punch Bowl

The Bowl Celebrates the Launching of a New Ship

But it Also Reflects a Plan to Emancipate All Enslaved African-Americans

Circa 1792

Stands 7 1/8" Tall

Measures 16 1/2" in Diameter

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: The Brooklyn Museum - Brooklyn, NY

 Another View of the Bowl

Photo Courtesy: The Brooklyn Museum - Brooklyn, NY

 View of the Museum's Description

Photo Courtesy: The Brooklyn Museum - Brooklyn, NY

 View of Some of the Decoration

Photo Courtesy: The Brooklyn Museum - Brooklyn, NY

 Another View of Some of the Decoration

Photo Courtesy: The Brooklyn Museum - Brooklyn, NY

 Another View of the Bowl

Photo Courtesy: The Brooklyn Museum - Brooklyn, NY

 Another View of the Bowl

Photo Courtesy: The Brooklyn Museum - Brooklyn, NY

 Another View of the Bowl

Photo Courtesy: The Brooklyn Museum - Brooklyn, NY

Another View of the Bowl

Photo Courtesy: The Brooklyn Museum - Brooklyn, NY

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

A Rare 19th Century Harvest Jug that Sold at Northeast Auctions in Manchester, New Hampshire in 2007

This is a great nineteenth century red earthenware harvest jug that sold at Northeast Auctions in Manchester, New Hampshire in 2007, which was said to have been made in Maine; although, it also shares characteristics with objects made in Western New York, as well as Ontario in the 1800s. The placement of the side handle is also comparable to some forms that were made in France in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Nonetheless, this object sold for $8,700 at the auctioneer's podium, where it has since appeared at Antiques Week in New York, among other prominent national antique shows.

I have not been able to determine the exact potter's business in Maine, where this object may have been made; however, that does not mean the attribution is incorrect, either. It is just a tremendously rare form to find from any potter's business in the northeast today, which includes the potter's industry in Western New York.

Rare Red Earthenware Harvest Jug

19th Century Red Earthenware Harvest Jug Reportedly Made in Maine
But Possibly Also Made in Western New York

Circa 1840

Sold for $8,700 in 2007

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Northeast Auctions - Portsmouth, NH

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

Two Possible Pieces of 19th Century Red Earthenware from West Virginia

These are two pieces of nineteenth century red earthenware that I own, which I have been trying to determine an area for their production. I do not believe I have ever written about the jug on this website, but I did post an introductory article for the pitcher almost one year ago.

The pitcher was purchased out of Pennsylvania from an antiques dealer, who had just discovered it at an estate sale in southeastern Pennsylvania. Whereas, the jug was also purchased from Pennsylvania, and it is said to have been found in the Pennsylvania area, as well.

After careful consideration, I believe there is a possibility that both of these objects were made in West Virginia in the early-to-mid nineteenth century.

I feel the pitcher is the likeliest candidate for a West Virginia attribution based on the form and glaze; although, the form of the jug is also comparable to jugs attributed to West Virginia, as well as its glaze and the footed base.

I would also be happy to hear any comments and/or suggestions from people reading this aritlce, and whether they feel these two objects could be from West Virginia. I was really looking for archaeological evidence, signed pieces, museum objects or pieces that retain a local history of ownership in West Virginia; although, I did find some artifacts posted in the 2004 edition of Ceramics in America.

Note: Here is a link to a damaged nineteenth century red earthenware pitcher that Crocker Farm sold in Maryland in 2014, which may somehow be related to the pitcher and jug discussed in this article.

Red Earthenware Pitcher and Jug

(Left) 19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Possibly Made in West Virginia
Reportedly Found in an Estate in SE Pennsylvania
Stands 7 1/8" Tall
See Article for More Information
(Right) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Possibly Made in West Virginia
Reportedly Purchased in the Pennsylvania Area

Stands 9 1/4" Tall
See Article for More Information

Another View of the Pitcher and Jug

View of the Handles

Another View of the Handle on the Pitcher

View of the Base on the Pitcher

View of the Rim and the Handle on the Jug

View of the Footed Base on the Jug

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

Three Wonderful Pieces of 19th Century Red Earthenware that Recently Sold in Vermont

Last week, I posted an article about a group of red earthenware that had just sold at Garth's Auctions in Delaware, Ohio; whereas, I also wrote that much of the collection was attributed to the potter's industry in Galena, Illinois, which is a location that products can be misinterpreted for today. I had written that I felt it was an excellent auction to cover since it really gave a solid representation for how the wares made in Galena actually appeared versus some of the loosely built attributions that are used today, which are often developed by only a generic green glaze with orange dots and halos.

Nonetheless, I also feel that the red earthenware made in Vermont in the 1800s is a subject that deserves more attention today; although, there is also some confusion with the pottery produced in this area based on some of the glazes when compared to nineteenth century products made in Maine, Western New York and Ontario.

I have posted images of two red earthenware jars and one jug below that recently sold at Duane Merrill's auction in Williston, Vermont on Saturday September 2, where each of these objects was also attributed to Vermont.

Interestingly, a similar formed jug appeared last year at the Annual Antique Dealer's Association Historic Deerfield Antiques Show in Deerfield, Massachusetts. The jug had been recently acquired in Vermont by a Vermont dealer, who was setup at the show. It should not be surprising, either to learn that the jug quickly sold to a collector on the the first day of the show.

Note: I have included the price for what each object sold for at the podium; however, that price does not include the buyer's premium.

Red Earthenware that Sold in Vermont

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Vermont

Stands 11" Tall

Sold: $1,500 at the Podium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Duane Merrill & Company - Williston, VT

 Another View of the Jar

Photo Courtesy: Duane Merrill & Company - Williston, VT

(Left) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Vermont

Stands 8" Tall

Sold: $550 at the Podium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Duane Merrill & Company - Williston, VT

 (Left) Another View of the Jar

Photo Courtesy: Duane Merrill & Company - Williston, VT

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to Vermont

Stands 7 1/2" Tall

Sold: $1,000 at the Podium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Duane Merrill & Company - Williston, VT

View of the Handle

Photo Courtesy: Duane Merrill & Company - Williston, VT

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

19th Century Red Earthenware from Galena, Illinois Sells Strong at Garth's Auctions in Ohio

I have written on this website a number of times that the term "Gonic, New Hampshire Glaze" or "New Hampshire Glaze" or even "Maine Glaze" are terms, which are overused today. The so-called New Hampshire glazes tend to be either just green or a spotted green glaze - and, the Maine glazes tend to be colorful. 

These type of attributions are usually developed based on only the glaze, but a glaze is often just a reaction that happened in the potter's kiln, such as those that I just described from New Hampshire, whereas that reaction could have happened in just about any potter's kiln in America or Canada. 

However, different colored glazes are usually an intentional decoration applied by a potter and that type of glaze is not always a unique glaze delineated to any certain potter's business, location or region; although, archaeology has also proven that the amount of glazes known from a certain potter's business today is often much more diverse when compared to what is known about surviving objects.

Nevertheless, the term "Galena, Illinois glaze" is also an attribution that can be overused today - the attribution is typically solely based on a green glaze with orange spots. But, I have also seen this type of decoration turn up from potter's businesses elsewhere in Illinois, North Carolina, Virginia, Iowa, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and even Canada. The attribution should be based on the form first and then a glaze can sometimes help confirm  the attribution when compared to archaeological evidence or known objects.

Last weekend, Garth's Auctions in Delaware, Ohio sold a collection of red earthenware that I felt would be helpful to share on this website today - a number of the objects from this collection are actual examples of pottery that were made at the potter's industry in Galena in the nineteenth century.

The auction results were quite strong, where prices varied from $300 to $4,680 - and, the lots were mixed from a single object to multiple pieces of pottery. 

My favorite object that was attributed to Galena was a wonderful rare slip-decorated red earthenware spaniel (lot no. 243), which resembled similar formed spaniels from nineteenth century red earthenware and stoneware potters elsewhere in the Midwest, Pennsylvania, Ontario and even earthenware ceramic examples from England.

I have also included pictures of a six gallon red earthenware butter churn (lot no. 28) that was also attributed to Galena by Garth's Auctions; although, it also somewhat resembles a five gallon red earthenware butter churn from my collection that is directly related to sherds that were recovered by archaeologists from the University of Iowa at a prairie site in northeast Iowa.

Notes: I have also pictured a lot of red earthenware (lot no. 57) that sold at Garth's Auctions last weekend in Ohio - the lot included a terrific small red earthenware pitcher that I have attributed to the William Pecker Pottery in Merrimacport, Massachusetts, circa 1790-1820.

Here is also a link to the auction catalog, where more pieces of red earthenware can be seen, as well as some stoneware and a wide variety of Americana.

Galena, Illinois Red Earthenware

Lot No. 28

19th Century 6 Gallon Red Earthenware Midwestern Butter Churn

Possibly Made in Galena, IL

Stands 17 1/2" Tall

Sold: $960 Including Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information About Similar Butter Churn

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 39

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Galena, IL

Marked "One Gal"

Stands 10" Tall

Sold: $1800 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Another View of the Jar

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 40

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Galena, IL

Lid Likely Not Original to Jar

Stands 7 1/2" Tall

Sold: $960 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 41

19th Century Red Earthenware Jugs Attributed to Galena, IL

(Left) Stands 8 1/2" Tall

(Right) Stands 11 1/2" Tall

Sold: $780 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 70

19th Century Red Earthenware Bottles Attributed to Galena, IL

Heights Vary 7" to 9 1/2" Tall

Sold: $900 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 71

19th Century Red Earthenware Food Mold and Pitcher Reportedly Made in Galena, IL

(Left) Measures 3 1/4" in Diameter

(Right) Stands 9" Tall

Sold: $720 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 72

19th Century Red Earthenware Jars Attributed to Galena, IL

(Left) Stands 8 1/2" in Diameter

(Right) Stands 5 1/2" Tall

Sold: $2,200 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 73

19th Century Red Earthenware Jugs and Pots Attributed to Galena, IL

Largest Stands 6" Tall

Sold: $1,920 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 74

19th Century Red Earthenware Jars and Jugs Attributed to Galena, IL

Largest Stands 9 1/2" Tall

Sold: $1,110 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 75

19th Century Red Earthenware Flower Pots Reportedly Made in Galena, IL

Largest Stands 7 3/4" Tall

Sold: $510 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 76

19th Century Red Earthenware Jars and Jugs Attributed to Galena, IL

(Left) Stands 10" Tall

(Right) Stands 11" Tall

Sold: $1,980 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 77

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Galena, IL
Jar Marked with a Number "2"

Lid Likely Not Original to Jar

Stands 13" Tall

Sold: $1,680 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Another View of the Jar

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 78

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Galena, IL

Jar Marked with a Number "2"

Wooden Lid is Not Original

Stands 12" Tall

Sold: $450 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 79

19th Century Red Earthenware Bowls or Pans Attributed to Galena, IL

Largest Measuring 13" in Diameter

Sold: $300 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 237

19th Century Red Earthenware Bottle Attributed to Galena, IL

Stands 11" Tall

Sold: $870 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 238

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Galena, IL
The Lid is Likely Original

Stands 10 1/4" Tall

Sold: $1,500 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Another View of the Lid

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 239

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to Galena, IL

Stands 11 1/2" Tall

Sold: $1,200 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 241

19th Century Red Earthenware Pot Attributed to Galena, IL

Stands 5 3/4" Tall

Sold: $1,620 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 242

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Galena, IL

Stands 9" Tall

Sold: $1,320 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 243

19th Century Red Earthenware Spaniel Attributed to Galena, IL

Stands 9" Tall

Sold: $4,200 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Another View of the Spaniel

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 244

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Galena, IL

Lid Likely Not Original to Jar

Stands 10" Tall

Sold: $2,400 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot No. 244

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Galena, IL

(Left) Stands 8" Tall

(Right) Stands 12 1/4" Tall

Sold: $4,680 Including Buyer's Premium

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

View of the Handles

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Merrimacport, Mass. Red Earthenware Pitcher
Lot No. 57

Lot of Three Pieces of Red Earthenware

Sold: $1,680 Including Buyer's Premium

(Left) Small Red Earthenware Pitcher 

Attributed to the William Pecker Pottery in Merrimacport, Mass.

Circa 1790-1820

Stands 5 1/2" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

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