A Colorful 19th Century Red Earthenware Mug that was Possibly Made in Vermont, Circa 1800-1830/40

It would seem that some of the nineteenth century red earthenware mugs made in Vermont were often decorated with multicolored vibrant glazes. For example, the choice of colorful glaze is obvious in a mug that I posted earlier this week, which is owned today by the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History in Middlebury, Vermont, as well as another mug that was purportedly made in Vermont, which sold last year in Plainfield, New Hampshire.

Nevertheless, this is a mug that I acquired a few years ago from western Massachusetts, which had previously been owned for decades in a private collection in central New Hampshire. The previous owner had written on the bottom that it may have been made in New Hampshire, but I do not necessarily agree with the attribution.  It may have been found in New Hampshire, but the handle, thumb impression on the handle terminal and the choice of glaze colors are not styles that I have seen from New Hampshire before.

I could also see this object attributed to Maine based on the glaze colors; however, I do not believe this is a Maine-made object, either. Instead. I feel this is more-likely from Vermont, circa 1800-1830/40. I do not have visual proof to demonstrate, but I believe I have seen this type of handle before from Vermont, and the glaze is certainly a style that I have previously seen on Vermont red earthenware.

Note: Interestingly, though, this is also a form that was made in Pennsylvania in the nineteenth century that is not described today as a mug - rather, it is usually called a handled pot. But I do not believe this particular object is from that part of the country.

19th Century Red Earthenware Mug

19th Century Red Earthenware Mug Possibly Made in Vermont
Retains a History of Ownership in Central New Hampshire
Stands 6 5/8" Tall
See Article for More Information

Another View of the Mug

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Glaze

See Article for More Information

View of the Handle

See Article for More Information

View of the Interior

See Article for More Information

View of the Base

See Article for More Information

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

19th Century Red Earthenware Produced at the Lorenzo Johnson Pottery in Western New York

I was told a few summers ago that the whereabouts of a well-known nineteenth century red earthenware butter churn, made at the Lorenzo Johnson Pottery in Western New York, had disappeared in recent years. It was found around 1975 in a basement on Krauss Road in Clarence, New York by Williamsville, New York antiques dealer, Ron Korman. A group of regional collectors had known about the jar, but it seemed to have vanished. But that all changed when I visited the storage facility at the New York State Museum in Albany, New York in order to view Adam Weitsman's world-renowned stoneware collection, as well as the museum's inventory of red earthenware made in upstate New York.

The five-gallon butter churn was found inside a locker at the museum nestled between a pair of incredible cobalt-decorated stoneware objects from Weitsman's collection. The churn is stamped, "L. JOHNSON / & CO. / NEWSTEAD / 5." 

For the better part of this month, I have written about the red earthenware industry, which materialized throughout Vermont during the circa 1790-1830/40 period. I find it surprising that much of this industry is not documented today; whereas, it appears that twentieth century researchers devoted the majority of their time spent with the stoneware that was produced in Vermont in the 1800s.

However, red earthenware was the predecessor to stoneware in Vermont, and to my knowledge, the only eighteenth century utilitarian pottery produced in Vermont was created by the red earthenware potters. But a number of Vermont's red earthenware potters adapted and evolved to the changes that occurred within the potter's industry, which is when stoneware became the more lucrative and desired platform for utilitarian production.

Nonetheless, my recent research has been devoted to identifying some of this early red earthenware production, and the potters, who were involved with it, such as Captain John Norton who is most known today for the stoneware production that he was involved with in Bennington, Vermont in the 1800s.

It was a little different in Western New York, where red earthenware production was popular during the early-to-mid nineteenth century, a period that saw stoneware production also flourish locally. The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 likely gave some of these potters export opportunities that were unavailable to some of the potters in Vermont, especially those surrounded by mountain ranges, which certainly limited how far some of their wares could travel.

This particular butter churn that Johnson made is special since it represents a brand of production that his company produced, which imitated the local stoneware production. This is a style of red earthenware that is hardly seen elsewhere in America in the eighteenth or nineteenth centuries. This also my be the finest example known from this variety of production from Johnson. The combination of the condition, decoration, glaze and stamp is remarkable.

I have also posted another jar that is attributed to Johnson, which is owned today by the New York State Museum. The decoration on this jar is also in imitation of stoneware; although, I have also posted another jar that was made by Johnson and owned by the museum that is a traditional style of red earthenware production. It should be noticeable how the form found on both of these objects certainly seem to be related.

Note: I will continue the discussion about red earthenware made in Vermont, circa 1790-1830/40 later this week. But I also want to mention that red earthenware from Maine, Vermont, Western New York and Ontario can be misidentified today because of attributions developed based on glazes, whereas, these areas all produced colorful glazes that can often resemble production from each area.

 Western New York Red Earthenware Butter Churn

19th Century Five-Gallon Red Earthenware Butter Churn 

Made at the Lorenzo Johnson Pottery in W. NY

Churn is Stamped, "L. JOHNSON / & CO. / NEWSTEAD / 5"

The Decoration and Form Imitates Stoneware Made During the Period

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: New York State Museum - Albany, NY

View of the Impressed Mark

Churn is Stamped, "L. JOHNSON / & CO. / NEWSTEAD / 5"

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: New York State Museum - Albany, NY

Western New York Red Earthenware Jars

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar 

Attributed to the Lorenzo Johnson Pottery in W. NY

The Decoration Imitates Stoneware Made During the Period

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: New York State Museum - Albany, NY

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar 

Attributed to the Lorenzo Johnson Pottery in W. NY

The Form is Similar to the Jar Above that was Made in Imitation of Stoneware

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: New York State Museum - Albany, NY

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

A 19th Century Red Earthenware Mug Owned by the Henry Sheldon Museum in Middlebury, Vermont

I have decided to continue the discussion tonight about the circa 1790-1830/40 red earthenware made in Vermont since there is so much, yet to be learned about this industry today. Vermont is well-known for its prolific nineteenth century stoneware production, a subject sought by many twentieth century museums and researchers, especially those who pursued the subject before 1950. However, a number of the red earthenware potters from this state were the innovators and trailblazers, who ultimately paved the path for the landmark stoneware industry. Like many of the potter's industries in New England, red earthenware was the predecessor to stoneware in Vermont.

This nineteenth century red earthenware mug was likely made in Vermont. It is owned today by the Henry Sheldon Museum of Vermont History in Middlebury, Vermont. According to the museum, "The mug was acquired in Vermont by Henry Sheldon (1821-1907), likely in the late-1800s or early-1900s and added to the museum's collection."

Interestingly, I could also easily see this object attributed to Maine today had it been found in Maine. But this is also worthy of a lesson with how attributions should almost always never be developed strictly on a glaze. If there's one potter or potter's business that could produce a colorful glaze, then why would it be assumed that others could not produce similar glazes. In fact, it was once said to me by a prominent Long Island collector, "Utilitarian potter's could produce whatever they wished - form, glaze, etc. Most of these individuals were skilled artisans in their craft."

Note: Here is a link that will provide a detailed history about the life of Henry Sheldon, and how the Sheldon Museum in Middlebury, Vermont materialized.

Red Earthenware Mug Found in Vermont

19th Century Red Earthenware Mug Likely Made in Vermont

Retains 19th Century History of Ownership in Vermont

Circa 1800-1840

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Henry Sheldon Museum - Middlebury, VT

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

Jonathan Fenton's Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Pottery in Dorset, Vermont

In the past month, I have posted a group of online articles on this website about the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century red earthenware potters in Vermont, and their connection to the popular industry in Essex County, Massachusetts. The history for a number of these early potters began in Essex County, where they likely trained before they relocated for opportunity away from coastal Massachusetts. There are even some documented cases, where some of these early potters later returned to Essex County in search of potter's supplies.

Jonathan Fenton (1766-1848), who's background originated in Connecticut, is most known today for the stoneware that he produced in Charlestown, Massachusetts in the 1790s, and Dorset, Vermont in the 1800s. But he also reportedly produced red earthenware when he first arrived in Vermont. Personally, I find it fascinating that Fenton expanded his career to include red earthenware production.

Charlestown was the location of an illustrious red earthenware industry before the American Revolution, which burned at the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775; whereas, it is not commonly known today that Charlestown's industry partially recovered in some capacity, and continued to produce red earthenware into the nineteenth century. It would be great to learn about any involvement Fenton may have had with this type of production, while he manufactured stoneware in Charlestown.

According to Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins (Early New England Potters and Their Wares), "From 1801-1835 Jonathan Fenton and his sons made (red) earthenware along with stoneware in Dorset.

After some investigation, we located the pottery site near the rushing stream that tumbles down the valley in Dorset Hollow. It may be described as being two hundred feet west of the first bridge as one drives up the Hollow road and about seventy-five feet in from the highway, on the left-hand side at the very top of an overgrown bank that slopes steeply to the river bed. On this spot we found many fragments of redware and stoneware."

Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any red earthenware attributed to Fenton's early-nineteenth century production in Dorset, although, I suspect that there must be examples in existence today. I would also not be surprised to learn that this aspect of his production appears similar to what was manufactured along coastal Massachusetts in the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries.

Nonetheless, I estimate that Fenton may have produced red earthenware for at least ten-years until he became a full-time stoneware potter. It has been reported that Fenton dug his clay for red earthenware production from the banks of the Mettowee River in Dorset. I also assume that much of the red earthenware was made for the local marketplace near the New York border in southwestern Vermont.

Note: I have included pictures of a red earthenware jug that was discovered a few years ago inside a home in New Hampshire. I have previously written about this jug hinting that it may have been made in central New Hampshire. However, I now suspect that there is a possibility that it may have been made by Jonathan Fenton in Dorset, Vermont since it closely resembles the stoneware jugs, which Fenton made in Charlestown, Massachusetts in the 1790s.

It is also worth noting that I have not seen anything that closely resembles this type of jug in the tens-of-thousands of red earthenware artifacts kept in the Charlestown Archaeology Collection at the Boston Archaeology Department in West Roxbury, Massachusetts. But I feel this jug has the potential to be an important piece of Vermont history in comparison to the type of stoneware jugs that Fenton is known for today.

Location of Jonathan Fenton's Red Earthenware Pottery in Vermont

 Jonathan Fenton Pottery Site Marker in Dorset, VT

Circa 1801-1810

Fenton Reportedly First Produced Red Earthenware When he Arrived in Vermont

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: The Historical Marker Database

The Site of Jonathan Fenton's Pottery in Dorset, VT

Circa 1801-1810

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: The Historical Marker Database

Red Earthenware Jug Recently Found in New Hampshire

 18th/19th Century Red Earthenware Jug
Recently Found Inside a Home in New Hampshire
Possibly Made in Dorset, VT- See Article Why this is Suggested
Stands 15" Tall
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Private New England Collection

 Another View of the Jug
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Private New England Collection

View of the Incised Decoration
Fenton Applied Similar Decoration on the Stoneware Jugs He Made in Charlestown, MA
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Private New England Collection

View of the Handle
See Article for More Information
Photo Courtesy: Private New England Collection

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

A Preview of Upcoming Feature Stories in 2018, Including a Story About the Moses Paige Pottery in Peabody, Massachusetts that will be Published Next Month in Antiques & the Arts Weekly

I wrote a feature story that ran in the January 2014 edition of the New England Antiques Journal, about the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery, which operated in Beverly, Massachusetts, circa 1866-1906. Later this year, another feature story I wrote should also be published about Lawrence's pottery - however, this story will focus on the creative, fashionable, and influential production that took place at this business after 1872.

I truly feel that Lawrence's production was some of the most dynamic red earthenware produced in New England in the nineteenth century. He embraced both utilitarian and decorative platforms, whereas the artware that his company produced was in some ways a trailblazing effort. These achievements may have encouraged similar efforts by a small group of potters elsewhere in New England, who later gained substantial fame in the aftermath of Lawrence's vision.

Nevertheless, a lesser known pottery was operated nearby in Peabody, Massachusetts by Moses Paige, circa 1876-1940s. The production from Paige's Pottery is not common knowledge today - in fact, much of the utilitarian production that took place at this company can be misrepresented for products made elsewhere and decades prior. However, production was also compelling at this company, where it was, in many ways, similar to what Lawrence manufactured in Beverly, especially with the type of artware that was produced.

I have little doubt that Lawrence and Paige were friendly up until Lawrence's death in 1906. Both potters operated their business in similar ways. The comparisons are uncanny - and peculiar, where operations at times seemed to resemble each other, and potters even traveled back-and-forth to work at both companies.

I have written a lengthy feature story about Paige's Pottery that will be published sometime next month in Antiques and the Arts Weekly. I will post the exact week as soon as I know the details. This article should be exciting since much of the information that will be published has never been documented before, which includes an incredible amount of information obtained by the Peabody Historical Society directly from Paige's Pottery when the company was still in operation.

In the meantime, I have posted two images of some of the remarkable slip-decorated utilitarian red earthenware produced in Beverly. These objects were donated by Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins (Early New England Potters and Their Wares) to the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. Lawrence's work is represented at some museums in New England, such as Old Sturbridge Village and Historic New England. But it is also owned by national museums, like the Smithsonian, as well as Winterthur in Delaware and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Note: I have posted two pieces from the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Massachusetts - the pitcher is considered rare, where there are only so many examples known today; however, the pot is even rarer. I am only aware of one other pot in this form that survives today, which is owned privately in a longtime collection in Essex County, Massachusetts.

Red Earthenware Made in Beverly, Mass.

 19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher

Attributed to the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Mass.

Circa 1866-1906

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: The National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

19th Century Red Earthenware Pot

Attributed to the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Mass.

Circa 1866-1906

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: The National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

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

The Remains of a Late-18th Century Red Earthenware Pan Recovered in Chimney Point, Vermont

I have written a group of articles this month about Moses Bradley's late-eighteenth century red earthenware production in Chimney Point, Vermont, as well as what he manufactured in West Woodstock, Vermont in the 1800s. Bradley's production is hardly recognized today despite a significant output, which lasted more-than 30 years.

This is the remains of a red earthenware pan that was recently recovered by archaeologists at the site of Bradley's circa 1790-1797 business in Chimney Point. Interestingly, the form, light clay color and interior glaze could easily be mistaken for production elsewhere in New England, especially the pans, which were manufactured throughout the nineteenth century in central and northern New England.

Note: Search this website for more information about Moses Bradley's red earthenware production in Vermont. I have posted three other articles in the past month.

Remains of Pan Recovered in Chimney Point, VT

Remains of a Late-18th Century Red Earthenware Pan

Recovered at the Site of Moses Bradley's Pottery in Chimney Point, VT

Circa 1790-1797

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Vermont State Historic Sites

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

The Remains of a Late-18th or 19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Recovered in Northern Vermont

To my knowledge, the maker of this late-eighteenth or nineteenth century red earthenware pitcher is unknown today; although, I believe it is American-made and very possibly from Vermont. These sherds were recovered within a circa 1790-1830 archaeological context in the Barton/Sutton-area in northern Vermont. It is thought that these remains may be from a local potter.

This pitcher was discovered alongside a home's foundation, which suggest it was likely originally used at this home during the context it was discovered. It was also recovered beside other objects that were likely from the same period, like buttons, coins, glass and other red earthenware sherds.

Nevertheless, this object may also represent another Vermont potter, who's work is not commonly known today. I could easily see this type of object attributed elsewhere in northern New England, such as New Hampshire, and especially Maine.

I should also mention that it appears this pitcher's rim and body are attached or separated (however you view it) by a collar, a rare characteristic to find on red earthenware manufactured from any period in New England today.

Note: I have posted a number of articles in the past month about the lesser known late-eighteenth and nineteenth century red earthenware potteries in Vermont, which are hardly recognized today. My focus has been with the potters who worked during the circa 1790-1830 period, whereas, this pitcher fits perfectly within that time frame. Try using the search feature on this website to find some of the other articles that I have recently posted.

Pitcher Recovered in Vermont

Late-18th/19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Recovered in Barton/Sutton-Area in VT

Possibly from a Local Potter in Northern Vermont

Recovered Within a Circa 1790-1830 Archaeological Context

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Helenek

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

A Quick Recap of Some of the Slipware and Stoneware that Sold this Week at Sotheby's in New York City

According to the Decorative Arts Trust, "For the field of American decorative arts, the third week in January is the most exciting time of year. Curators, collectors, and dealers gather in New York for Antiques Week, which consists of auctions, antique shows, and special events" 

Those auctions include two major annual sales held each winter at Sotheby's and Christie's, whereas, this week, Sotheby's offered a number of terrific examples of American/English-made slipware and stoneware.

I have listed my favorite three lots from the sale, which include a nineteenth century stoneware face  jug from the Edgefield District in South Carolina, a type of jug that has risen to incredible heights among collectors, dealers, museums, and scholars in the past decade. This particular object sold for $27,500 including the buyer's premium; although, it has been reported that the face jug sustained some noticeable damage since its creation in the 1800s.

The remaining lots incorporate a variety of remarkable eighteenth and nineteenth slipware from America and England. One of the lots consists of five great pieces of slipware - this actually may be my all-time favorite lot that I have seen sell at auction, which was exclusively made up of flatware. The lot sold for only $4,750 including the buyer's premium, which suggests there may have been condition or restoration issues; however, I did not inspect any of these lots. If there was no major damage or restoration, then merely just below $1,000 per plate is a real good deal.

Note: I suggest searching Sotheby's website in order to see what other significant pieces of American/European pottery sold this weekend.

19th Century South Carolina Stoneware Face Jug

19th Century Stoneware Face Jug Attributed to the Edgefield District in SC

Circa 1860s

Stands 4 7/8" Tall

Link to Auction Listing on Sotheby's Website

Sold: $27,500

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Sotheby's

18th/19th Century American and English Slipware

18th/19th Century Slipware from Pennsylvania and England

Link to Auction Listing on Sotheby's Website

Sold: $4,750

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Sotheby's

18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Plate

Reportedly Made in Fair Lawn, NJ

Circa 1800

Measures 3 7/8" in Diameter

Link to Auction Listing on Sotheby's Website

Sold: $5,000

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Sotheby's

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

18th Century Red Earthenware Kiln Furniture Recovered in Chimney Point, Vermont

Earlier this month, I posted an article about Moses Bradley's red earthenware production in Chimney Point, Vermont, circa 1790-1797. Bradley is regarded today as a man who was involved with the first true wave of red earthenware potters to migrate to the state in the late-1700s. Although, Bradley was originally from Haverhill, Massachusetts, where he presumably learned the potter's craft in Essex County, Massachusetts.

I wrote, "Archaeologists from Vermont located the remains of a nearby red earthenware pottery in Chimney Point near an eighteenth century Colonial French fort, which was operated by Moses Bradley (1765-1826) in the 1790s. Bradley is regarded today as one of the first red earthenware potters to work in Vermont before 1800, where many of these late-eighteenth century potters also possessed a training from Essex County, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins wrote about Bradley when she published 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares' in 1950 -- "Moses Bradley traveled from Haverhill, Massachusetts to Chimney Point in Adddison County in Vermont in 1790. After a residency of seven years, Bradley, with his family moved east to Windsor, Vermont, where they continued to produce red earthenware well into the 1800s."

From what I have read, Bradley dug his own clay from the local riverbanks while he operated in Chimney Point that he later used to produce pottery, which was sold locally, but it may have been shipped to other locations along Lake Champlain, as well. Archaeologists reportedly recovered kiln bricks, wasters and kiln furniture at this site, where these artifacts certainly indicate the remains of a pottery. It was also reported that Bradley likely made the typical forms, such as mugs, creams pots, jugs, pitchers, milk pans, vases and other objects. This production is likely based on what is known about Bradley's later production after 1797."

Nevertheless, this is some of the late-eighteenth century red earthenware kiln furniture that was recovered. Similar forms have been found at most red earthenware potter's sites throughout New England from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Note: Here is a link to an article that I wrote about Moses Bradley's family's red earthenware production after 1800 in West Woodstock, Vermont.

Kiln Furniture Recovered in Chimney Point, VT

18th Century Red Earthenware Kiln Furniture

Recovered at the Site of the Moses Bradley Pottery in Chimney Point, VT

Circa 1790-1797

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Vermont State Historic Sites

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

February 2018 Feature Story in Maine Antique Digest About the 18th/19th Century Dodge Family Potteries in New Hampshire and Maine

I wanted to quickly announce that my feature story about the eighteenth and nineteenth century Dodge family potteries in Exeter, New Hampshire, Portsmouth, New Hampshire and Portland, Maine is now available in the February 2018 edition of 'Maine Antique Digest.' I will post a link to the story later this month. The story includes previously unpublished archaeology, surviving examples and new information.

Nevertheless, this is a nineteenth century red earthenware bank or money box, which was excavated years ago in Portland, Maine. I believe this is a product of the Dodge family's production in Portland before 1876. I did not include this in the article since I am not 100 percent certain of the attribution, but considering the context that it was discovered, I would be quite surprised to learn it was made elsewhere.

Note: Here is also a link to an article that I posted in November of 2017 about a red earthenware sherd recovered by archaeologists from a nineteenth century estate in Portland, Maine, which had been marked, "B. DODGE / PORTLAND."

Red Earthenware Bank or Money Box

 19th Century Red Earthenware Bank or Money Box Recovered in Portland, ME

Possibly Made by the Dodge Family in Portland

Stands 5 1/8" Tall

See Article for More Information

View of the Base

See Article for More Information

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

A 19th Century Red Earthenware Flowerpot Recently Discovered in Southern Maine Possibly with Ties to Artifacts Owned by the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

I have written a number of articles on this website (ex. article 1 and article 2) about the nineteenth century red earthenware production that took place in West Sterling, Massachusetts, a small community in the central part of the state. These objects included skillfully produced products, often adorned with colorful glazes, and even sometimes marked with a maker's stamp, such as 'A.S. WIGHT.'  This particular mark represents Abner S. Wight (1822-1890), a potter employed in the 1840s-1860s, but he was not alone in West Sterling; whereas, there were many other potters, who came before and after Wight's ownership.

However, the manufacture of interior and exterior household flowerpots eventually developed into a major means of industry for this area. Production included hand-thrown objects, but wooden and plaster-of-Paris molds were also implemented to create these type of objects.

According to Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins (Early New England Potters and Their Wares), "In West Sterling, Massachusetts, by far the greater proportion of fragments that we recovered from the later period are parts of flowerpots, which seem to have been produced in countless styles. 

First, there are the hand-turned flowerpots with separate saucers. Except for the largest sizes, these have no collars. Flowerpots of this type were no longer made by hand in redware potteries after the introduction of machinery, which turned them out with such regularity that they could be more easily stacked for merchandising. 

The hanging flowerpot was in its heyday for twenty years or more after the Civil War; many of us can remember the jar of ivy in our grandmother's window. At West Sterling we found them plain or with ruffled edges, glazed and unglazed. Some have saucers attached, while others are designed with an ornamental pendant on the base. The saucers often have a good and simple motif molded underneath, where it can be observed when hanging (see sherd posted below).

The glazed pots are dark brown or black in color and are frequently embellished with sprays of colors painted over the glaze in colors of gold.

Others of bowl shape, in many sizes have merely a green band painted below the rim. Another method of decoration practiced in many potteries of the period was to color the whole pot with bright blue, red, rose, or green touched with gold, or to perhaps outline its molded patterns with these colors. 

We also unearthed a section of one very large jar or flowerpot molded in really good design, indicating that the mold makers, whoever they were, were familiar with classic art (see sherd below)."

In keeping with Watkins writing about West Sterling, I have posted a decent-sized nineteenth century molded red earthenware flowerpot that was recently discovered in southern Maine, which I believe is related to similar artifacts that Watkins collected in West Sterling before 1950. These specific sherds are owned today by the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

Molded Red Earthenware Flowerpot Recently Discovered in Southern Maine

 19th Century Molded Red Earthenware Flowerpot

Likely Made in West Sterling, Mass.

Recently Found in Southern Maine

Stands 7" Tall - Measures 8 3/8" in Diameter

See Article for More Information

 Another View of the Flowerpot

See Article for More Information

 View of the Interior

See Article for More Information

View of the Base

See Article for More Information

Molded Flowerpots Recovered in West Sterling, Mass.

19th Century Molded Hanging Red Earthenware Flowerpot

Recovered by Watkins in West Sterling, Mass.

Notice the Base - See Article for More Information

Lura Woodside Watkins Collection

Photo Courtesy: National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian, Washington, D.C.

 19th Century Molded Hanging Red Earthenware Flowerpot

Recovered by Watkins in West Sterling, Mass.

Manufactured with a Classic Art Design - See Article for More Information

Illustrated in Figure 80 in 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares'

Lura Woodside Watkins Collection

Photo Courtesy: National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian, Washington, D.C.

Another View of the Flowerpot Sherd

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian, Washington, D.C.

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

A Few Notable Red Earthenware Sales that Recently Happened on eBay from Various Sellers Located Across the Country

Here is a real quick recap of some recent eighteenth and nineteenth century red earthenware sales that have taken place on eBay, which I thought were noteworthy - these objects were all sold by various dealers from across the county.

The first object that I have included is a rare damaged late-eighteenth or early-nineteenth century slip-decorated red earthenware jar attributed to West Hartford, Connecticut. It was likely made at the Nathaniel Seymour Pottery, circa 1795-1820. This particular form of slip-decorated jar is highly desired by collectors and museums, alike, where similar examples in much better condition have sold for thousands of dollars. There are some examples that have even sold for nearly ten-thousand dollars.

Another notable object is a large plain glazed red earthenware jar that may have also been made in Connecticut, which closely resembles the form of some nineteenth century stoneware jars that were also made in the state.

Lastly, I have included a circa 1820-1860 red earthenware jug from Maine that was skillfully painted in the twentieth century; whereas, I am not usually a person, who feels a need to remove this type of paint, but I would make an exception in this case. This particular form of jug is often adorned with colorful glazes - and, I would not be surprised to learn that type of glaze is laying underneath this paint. Overall, the jug also survives in remarkable condition.

Late-18th or Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

 Late-18th or Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to West Hartford, CT

Possibly Made at the Nathaniel Seymour Pottery

Circa 1795-1820

Stands 8 1/4" Tall
See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: eBay

 Another View of the Jar

Photo Courtesy: eBay

View of the Interior

Photo Courtesy: eBay

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Possibly Made in Connecticut

Circa 1800-1840

Stands 14 1/2" Tall
See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: eBay

 View of the Rim and the Incised Decoration

Photo Courtesy: eBay

 View of One of the Handles

Photo Courtesy: eBay

A Closer View of One of the Handles

Photo Courtesy: eBay

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to Maine

Circa 1820-1860

Stands 6 1/4" Tall
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Photo Courtesy: eBay

View of the Handle

Photo Courtesy: eBay

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The 19th Century Hutchinson Red Earthenware Pottery in St. Johnsbury, Vermont

According to the book 'The Town of St. Johnsbury, Vermont: A Review of One-Hundred Twenty-Five Years to the Anniversary Pageant 1912,' which was published in 1914, "William Hutchinson (1751-1820) carried on a pottery in town for making domestic red earthenware. He was the son of Nathaniel Hutchinson (ca. 1719-1780) (originally from Saugus, Massachusetts) and he preached in Plainfield and other places in New Hampshire."

It has been reported that William Hutchinson's business was established in St. Johnsbury around 1815. He may have originally trained under the Clark family in Lyndeborough sometime after 1775, which was a prominent eighteenth and nineteenth century family of potters. But his brother, Ebenzer Hutchinson (1764-1854/55) also ran a potter's business in Lyndeborough, where he may have also worked; although, I suspect the Hutchinsons must have had some connection to the Clarks, as well.

Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins wrote about the Hutchinson Pottery in 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares:' Although St. Johnsbury made much fine stoneware, the town also supported a redware shop. This was started in 1815 by William Hutchinson, either alone or with Ebenezer Hutchinson, who sold his potter's business in North Lyndeborough in the spring of that year and removed to St. Johnsbury. He had a brother, William, who was presumably the St. Johnsbury man. 

The existence of Ebenezer's shop was printed in the 'Farmer's Cabinet' in Amherst, New Hampshire on September 8, 1815: "The subscriber having removed his pottery from Lyndeborough, to Vermont, acquaints those indebted to him that he will be at his father's house in Lyndeborough on the 15th to 20th day of September next, when he requests they will call upon him and make payment, or they may expect costs."

The Hutchinson Pottery was apparently still running in 1840, when according to the Haskel and Smith Gazetteer two shops were in operation at St. Johnsbury. Otherwise, nothing further has transpired about them. Richard W. Fenton and his son, who ran the other works (in St. Johnsbury), made redware bowls, milk pans, flowerpots, and such utensils in addition to their stoneware output."

It seems that William established the business in St. Johnsbury, but his brother, Ebenezer must have taken over ownership around William's death in 1820. Ebenezer eventually died in St. Johnsbury in 1854/55 so it can probably be assumed that he produced red earthenware well-into the 1840s, and possibly right up until he died.

I feel this is, yet another example of a red earthenware potter's business in Vermont, which operated for decades, but little is known about the production today. I have never seen or heard about an example of red earthenware attributed to the Hutchinsons in St. Johnsbury.

Interestingly, Ebenezer sold his business in Lyndeborough in 1815 to a potter from Peabody (formerly South Danvers), Massachusetts, which I assume reveals some type of Essex County, Massachusetts connection; whereas, a similar connection can be found with many of the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century red earthenware potters in Vermont. It is also important to indicate that the Clark family of potters in Lyndeborough were originally established by Peter Clark (1743-1826), an Essex County trained potter, who migrated north to southern New Hampshire just months before the American Revolution began.

Nevertheless, I have no doubt that pottery survives today from the Hutchinson's decades of production in St. Johnsbury. Unfortunately, this is not a subject that has been greatly researched; although, it is a safe assumption to write today that I would not be surprised to learn that their work is generically attributed to another location today, such as Maine, New Hampshire or Massachusetts.

It should also be noted that there is an Ebenezer Hutchinson on file with the New Hampshire Historical Society as both a potter in New Hampshire and Vermont, but he also reportedly worked as a printer and a publisher. I assume this is the same man, but the historical society provides a different year of birth. I have included an example of this type of work that is owned today by the New Hampshire Historical Society - the skill that went into the following Masonic apron suggests that he was a skilled artisan, which I assume must somewhat represent the ability the family possessed as potters, as well.

Note: While I have no archaeological evidence, I would still assume that some of the wares made by the Hutchinsons in St. Johnsbury, Vermont may somewhat resemble production from Essex County, Massachusetts. For example, the Hutchinsons began their careers in Lyndeborough, New Hampshire, an area that was largely influenced by what was made in Essex County in the eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries.

19th Century Silk Masonic Apron

19th Century Masonic Apron Printed on Silk Reportedly by Ebenezer Hutchinson

Circa 1820

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Link to Object Posted on NH Historical Society's Website

Photo Courtesy: New Hampshire Historical Society - Concord, NH

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An Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Recently Discovered in Massachusetts

This is an early-nineteenth century red earthenware jar that appeared yesterday at the Boston Design and Antique Show at the Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, Massachusetts. I have previously written about this type of jar; whereas, Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts owns two related jars that descended through Samuel Wing's (1774-1854) family, an eighteenth and nineteenth century furniture maker from Sandwich, Massachusetts on Cape Cod. Wing is a well-documented craftsman today, who's work is represented in a number of institutions, such as Winterthur in Delaware, as well as featured in the book, 'Harbor and Home: Furniture of Southeastern Massachusetts, 1710-1850.' Another example of this form of jar was also recently discovered in Sandwich by a Massachusetts collector.

I have written in the past that I believe these type of jars may have been made at the Bradford-Parker Pottery on Cape Cod in Barnstable, Massachusetts. In fact, last year, I posted a few articles on this website about the archaeology of this business that Cape Cod antique dealer, Brian Cullity collected at the site of the pottery in the 1980s.

My current goal is to merely document this form of jar as they appear - I also own a wonderful variegated green-glazed example that I purchased four-or-five years ago. This particular jar was reportedly just discovered in Massachusetts. Aside from the form, these type of jars have distinct handles.

Note: Check the right column on this website for some of the archaeology recovered at the site of the Bradford-Parker Pottery in Barnstable, Massachusetts.

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Possibly Made at the Bradford-Parker Pottery in Barnstable, Mass.

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Massachusetts Antiques Dealer

Another View of the Jar 

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Photo Courtesy: Private Massachusetts Antiques Dealer

Another View of the Jar 

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Photo Courtesy: Private Massachusetts Antiques Dealer

View of One of the Handles

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Photo Courtesy: Private Massachusetts Antiques Dealer

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A 19th Century Ancient Formed Red Earthenware Jug Recently Discovered in a House in Springvale, Maine

The reproduction of ancient Grecian-style pottery in America is a subject that I am completely fascinated with today, especially with those potters, who pursued such an enterprise after 1870 in New England. I have actually written a feature story about this exact subject, which focuses on the first potter in America to manufacture this style of art ware, the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Massachusetts during the circa 1872-1906 period. The story should be published in the New England Antiques Journal sometime in 2018.

I was surprised yesterday while walking around the Boston Design and Antique Show at the Shriner's Auditorium in Wilmington, Massachusetts to see what appeared to be an example of the type of production, which I just described tucked away in a dealer's booth from Maine.

I quickly realized once I handled the hand-painted jug that it closely resembled some of the ancient-style products from Beverly that I already own. However, the paint has a shine to it, which I do not know if this was a characteristic later used in Beverly in the late-nineteenth century. I believe all of the objects that I have seen from this type of production in Beverly thus far date from the 1870s. This is a type of production that has never really been researched in depth and new information is constantly presenting itself. But the paint, manufacture and style found on this object closely resemble the production that I am familiar with from the C.A. Lawrence Pottery.

The dealer told me that he recently discovered this object inside an old house on Maine Street in Springvale, Maine; whereas, this would be the fifth example of Grecian-style pottery from Beverly that has come out of Maine in recent years.

I showed this jug to a longtime collector and scholar from Gloucester, Massachusetts yesterday, who was setup at the show. He was excited to see this object since he said he had never handled an example before.

I also want to note that I have found 14 different nineteenth century advertisements from Lawrence's Pottery that specifically advertised this type of production. I do not believe these ads have ever been cited since they were published in any type of publication or scholarship. Images and the whereabouts of these ads will be included in the feature story that should be released later this year.

Note: I have also included images of some of the advertisements owned by Historic New England, where specific companies are promoting this type of ancient production. Interestingly, Historic New England owns an ad from Norwalk, Connecticut; whereas, I have never seen this type of production associated with that industry before.

Grecian-Style Jug Recently Found in Maine

 Late-19th or Early-20th Century Ancient Formed Red Earthenware Jug

Possibly Made at the C.A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Mass.

Recently Discovered in an Old House in Springvale, ME

Stands 4 7/8" Tall

See Article for More Information

 Another View of the Jug

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 View of the Handle

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 View of the Interior Glaze

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View of the Base

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Ancient Grecian Formed Pottery Advertisements

 Trade Card for Pottery Sold in Utica, NY

The Vase Shown is an Ancient Grecian Form

Photo Courtesy: Historic New England

Ancient Grecian Forms Advertised by A.E. Smith Sons Pottery in Norwalk CT

 Photo Courtesy: Historic New England

Ancient Grecian Forms Advertised by the Portland Stoneware Company in Portland, ME

Circa 1878

Photo Courtesy: Historic New England

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