19th Century Red Earthenware from New Jersey Owned by the Newark Museum

Earlier this month, I wrote an article about the remarkable red earthenware production that happened just outside of New York City in River Edge, New Jersey, circa 1811-1867. Two important names were involved with this production; Henry Jacob Van Saun (1755-1829) and George Wolfkiel (1805-1867).

I had written how some of this production could be mistaken for wares commonly attributed to Pennsylvania, Long Island and Connecticut today. The pottery made in River Edge was also somewhat indicative for how some of the red earthenware production appeared in New Jersey in the 1800s; whereas, the forms and decorations were occasionally similar to wares made elsewhere.

I have posted three objects that are owned today by the Newark Museum in New Jersey. In one way or another, all of these objects also resemble production from Pennsylvania, Long Island or Connecticut. But the museum attributes each object to specific locations in New Jersey.

For example, the manner of the slip-decoration on the plate is especially interesting - I could easily see this object attributed to Connecticut. However, this plate is specifically attributed to George Wolfkiel's production in River Edge, circa 1830-1867.

Note: These three objects have also been published by the Newark Museum in such publications as 'The Pottery and Porcelain of New Jersey, 1688-1900' and 'Clay Products of New Jersey.'

New Jersey Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Plate

19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Plate

Attributed to George Wolfkiel in River Edge, NJ

Circa 1830-1867

Measures 12 1/4" in Diameter

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Newark Museum

New Jersey Red Earthenware Jar

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Attributed to Cheesequake, NJ

Circa 1810-1820

Stands 8 3/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Newark Museum

New Jersey Red Earthenware Bowl

19th Century Red Earthenware Bowl

Attributed to Caldwell, NJ

Circa 1845

Stands 4 1/2 Tall and 12" in Diameter

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Newark Museum

Please Stay tune

A Selection of 19th Century Red Earthenware that Sold Today at Pook and Pook in Pennsylvania

A wonderful selection of nineteenth century American red earthenware sold today at Pook and Pook Auctions in Downington, Pennsylvania; although, a few examples of nineteenth century English red earthenware, as well as a possible piece from Ontario, also sold. Overall, many of the prices appeared strong for both pottery and antiques. But there were bargains, as well.

Among the highlights from this aspect of the sale was a three-colored slip-decorated red earthenware plate adorned with a tulip in the center attributed to the nineteenth century Diehl Pottery in Pennsylvania. It sold for $1,400 before the buyer's premium. A variety of three-colored slip-decorated plates from this potter's business exist, which have sold through Pook and Pook in the last seven-or-eight years, with some examples selling for as much as $15,000 and $20,000 each before the buyer's premium.

Some of the history of this pottery was published in 1848, when Elias Henry Diehl wrote 'Diehl Families of America: History, Genealogy, Reminiscences, Etc.' There was certainly an abundance of skilled slipware manufactured at this pottery, but a number of wares were also manufactured with black-glazes and decorated with manganese.

However, there were other good examples of red earthenware that also sold today, which included objects attributed to possibly Connecticut, Virginia, possibly Maryland (or more likely Pennsylvania), Pennsylvania, Virginia, possibly Western New York, among other places.

I have posted all of the American (and Canadian) objects below, and here is a link to the auction catalog that illustrates everything else that sold.

Note: There was also a selection of nineteenth century stoneware that sold at Pook and Pook today with examples from Pennsylvania and New York. One of the highest selling lots was a nineteenth century three-gallon crock made in upstate New York decorated with a cobalt eagle that sold for $3,400 before the buyer's premium.

Lot No. 1045

19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Plate Attributed to Pennsylvania

Attributed to the Diehl Pottery in Bucks County, PA

Attribution Based on the Slip-Decoration

Comparable Examples Have Sold for as Much as $20,000 Since 2011

Sold: $1,400 Before Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook

Lot No. 1064

19th Century Group Lot of American Red Earthenware

(Left) 19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Possibly Made in Northern New England

Stands 7 1/2" Tall

(Right) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Possibly Made in Ontario

Stands 11" Tall

Lot Sold: $400 Before Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook

Lot No. 1229

19th Century Red Earthenware Birdhouse Attributed to Anthony Baecher, Winchester, VA

Signed and Dated "1881"

Stands 6 1/2" Tall

Sold: $3,600 Before Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook

Lot No. 1230

19th/20th Century Whimsical Red Earthenware Figure of a Man Playing the Base

Possibly Pennsylvania or European in Origin

Sold: $1,900 Before Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook

Lot No. 1267

19th Century Slipware Plates Attributed to Pennsylvania

Measures 6" to 9 3/4" in Diameter

Sold: $650 Before Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook

Lot No. 1284

19th Century Red Earthenware Bowl Attributed to Maryland or Pennsylvania

Although More Likely from Pennsylvania

Measures 14 1/2" in Diameter

Sold: $475 Before Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook

Lot No. 1438

19th Century Slip-Script Red Earthenware Plate "Cheap"

Likely Made in Connecticut, But New Jersey is Also a Possibility

Measures 12" in Diameter

Sold: $1,100 Before Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook

Lot No. 1444

19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Dish Possibly Made in Connecticut

Measures 12 5/8" Wide

Possibly Ex-Sam Forsythe Collection, Columbus, OH

Sold: $900 Before Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook

Lot No. 1451

Lot of Three 19th Century Red Earthenware Jugs

(Left) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed to the Matthias Norcross Pottery in Farmington, ME

(Middle) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed to the Matthias Norcross Pottery in Farmington, ME

(Right) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Possibly Made in Northern New England

Sold: $425 Before Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook

Lot No. 1454

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Possibly Made in New England or W. New York

Stands 10" Tall

Sold: $200 Before Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook

Lot No. 1455

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Probably Made in New England

Possibly from Northern New England

Sold: $400 Before Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook

Lot No. 1467

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Likely Made in Either Norwalk, CT or Huntington, NY

Sold: $400 Before Buyer's Premium

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook and Pook

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

The Contributions of Massachusetts Author, Collector and Historian, Lura Woodside Watkins

Massachusetts author, collector and historian, Lura Woodside Watkins (1897-1982) deserves a lot of credit today for her contributions in the field of American antiques and material culture. I often cite the remarkable research she completed when 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares' was published in 1950. But she wrote other books, as well, and many people are indebted to her, including myself for the groundwork that was accomplished.

Watkins owned many of the objects that she wrote about, including much of the red earthenware and stoneware cited and published in 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares.' She discovered almost all of the archaeological evidence and surviving pottery in a period when the context that it was discovered was often important.

I don't have a specific date for this photograph, but I suspect it is likely from the 1960s or 1970s. Mrs. Watkins is pictured sitting in front of her fireplace in her eighteenth century home in Middleton, Massachusetts. Most of the objects that surround her are now owned by museums across the country, such as the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. and Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Author, Collector and Historian Lura Woodside Watkins

Many of the Objects in this Photograph are Now Owned by Museums Today

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Historic New England

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

Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Sugar Bowl Recovered in Baltimore, Maryland

Last week, I posted a number of articles about red earthenware objects recovered from various contexts in Baltimore, Maryland, which were related to local production during the circa 1763-1850 period. The variety of artifacts included black-glazed wares, slipware and colorfully decorated objects, and most of which appear to have been produced during Baltimore's more prolific period of production, circa 1790-1820s.

This is another object that was recovered from a privy in Baltimore by Bruce Adwell; although, the exact American origin has not been identified. However, this sugar bowl is thought to have been made somewhere in the region, but not necessarily in Baltimore.

It has been suggested that this bowl may have been created at one of the industries located to the west of Baltimore, where sugar bowls continued to be a popular form of production throughout the 1800s . This also may potentially suggest that wares manufactured elsewhere in Maryland were intermittently shipped to Baltimore in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Nevertheless, the multi-colored slip applied on this bowl also exhibits a style of decoration popular with some potters in southeastern Pennsylvania, especially in the 1700s, which eventually spread to the south, and this may be an example of that influence.

Note: Here are the links to all of the articles that I posted last week about red earthenware production in Baltimore, Maryland in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Baltimore Red Earthenware Articles
1) A Brief Overview of Red Earthenware Production in Baltimore, MD
2) Red Earthenware Manufactured in Baltimore, MD Circa 1763-1850
3) Late-18th or Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Bowl Recovered from a Privy in Fells Point in Baltimore, MD
4) Red Earthenware Recovered from a Circa 1800-1850 Brick-Lined Privy in Baltimore, MD
5) A Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Flowerpot Saucer Recovered in Fells in Baltimore, MD
6) Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl Recovered Within a Circa 1790-1820 Context in Baltimore, MD

Red Earthenware Sugar Bowl Recoverd in Baltimore

18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Sugar Bowl

Recovered from a Privy in Baltimore, MD

Possibly Made in Maryland

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

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

Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl Recovered Within a Circa 1790-1820 Context in Baltimore, Maryland

This is another red earthenware object that was recently recovered in Baltimore, Maryland, which is also thought to have been locally made. Although, it also appears to demonstrate a Philadelphia influence in form and glaze.

Similar slip-decorated bowls were manufactured in Philadelphia during the circa 1770-1815 period, but comparable bowls were also made about 45 miles south of Baltimore near Washington, D.C. This type of bowl appears to have been a popular style of production that began in Philadelphia, and spread elsewhere as a result of trained potters and possibly even their influences.

Henry Piercy (1756-1809), a red earthenware potter who learned the potter's trade in Philadelphia, circa 1769-1776 is known to have made bowls in this manner decorated with slip on the interior in Alexandria, Virginia in the 1790s. Many of the bowls Piercy produced (as well as his other production) likely served the local market, especially Washington, D.C.

However, there certainly could have also been a Philadelphia influence in Baltimore with this type of production. There are even similar bowls attributed to Baltimore illustrated in an image that I posted yesterday in the article, 'Red Earthenware Manufactured in Baltimore, Maryland, Circa 1763-1850.' 

Philadelphia's industry clearly carried a strong impact with potters all over the east coast; whereas, I have seen Philadelphia-type slip-decorated red earthenware sherds recovered as far north as New England and Albany, New York and as far south as North Carolina. As a matter of fact, there were a small group of potters who even advertised their wares in the 1700s in comparison and competition to what was made in Philadelphia - and, it should not be surprising to hear that some potters were also likely attempting to imitate Philadelphia's production, as well.

The remains of this particular bowl were recently recovered by Eddie Woodmancy from a huge brick-lined privy in Baltimore within a circa 1790-1820 context. This is also the period that appears to have been the most prolific with red earthenware production in Baltimore.

Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl Recovered in Baltimore

18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Bowl Likely Made in Baltimore, MD

Recovered from a Circa 1790-1820 Privy in Baltimore, MD

Similar Bowls Were Illustrated in an Article Posted Yesterday

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Eddie Woodmancy

View of the Exterior Glaze and the Footed Base

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Eddie Woodmancy

View of the Base

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Eddie Woodmancy

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

A Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Flowerpot Saucer Recovered in Fells Point in Baltimore, Maryland

Yesterday, I posted an article about a multi-colored red earthenware bowl that was attributed to Baltimore, Maryland, which had been recovered by Andy Goldfrank from a late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century privy in Baltimore. The privy was located in Fells Point, a historic district in Baltimore's harbor known for its involvement in the maritime industry in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

The remains of this slip-decorated object were also recovered by Andy Goldfrank in Fells Point; although, the origin has not been identified, but a local potter is certainly possible. Understandably, merchants also brought a lot of inventory into Baltimore through Fells Point, especially after the American Revolution.

Nevertheless, this object appears like a detached flowerpot saucer, which would have likely originally been paired with a matching (possibly slip-decorated) flowerpot. This saucer was manufactured with a scalloped edge and exhibits some type of English influence. Similar shaped detached green-glazed flowerpot saucers with plain and scalloped edges were also manufactured at the Bradford-Parker Pottery on Cape Cod in West Barnstable, Massachusetts, circa 1819-1850. An excellent example of this production is owned today by Historic Deerfield in Deerfield, Massachusetts.

I wrote yesterday that Baltimore's red earthenware production must have been in some ways intertwined or friendly with the city's exceptional stoneware industry. Interestingly, Crocker Farm sold an important circa 1820-1825 stoneware flowerpot with detached saucer attributed to William Morgan's Pottery in Baltimore at their auction gallery in Sparks, Maryland in July 2016.

Flowerpot Saucer Recovered in Baltimore, MD

18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Flowerpot Saucer

Recovered in Fells Point in Baltimore, MD

Possibly Made in Baltimore, MD, But Not Yet Proven

Detached Stoneware Flowerpot Saucers Were Also Made in Baltimore, MD in the 1800s

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Andy Goldfrank

Another View of the Remains of the Flowerpot Saucer

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Andy Goldfrank

View of the Base

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Andy Goldfrank

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

Red Earthenware Recovered from a Circa 1800-1850 Brick-Lined Privy in Baltimore, Maryland

For the last two days, I have written about eighteenth and nineteenth century red earthenware production in Baltimore, Maryland, a type of production that really deserves a lot more attention today. Since so little of this material has been published in the past century, the best way to learn about this subject is by what has been preserved beneath the city. 

Similar stories have been documented in the last 40 years by what has been recovered in places, such as Charlestown, Massachusetts and Philadelphia, where very little was known about production in these locations until archaeologists began excavation projects. The archaeology revealed important eighteenth century industries with remarkable brands of production. Unfortunately, much of the red earthenware production in Charlestown was interrupted by the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775; although, red earthenware production continued to flourish in Philadelphia after the America Revolution.

Apparently, there was some red earthenware production in Baltimore before the American Revolution that dated to the early-1760s; however, the most prolific period of production appears to have taken place during the circa 1790-1820s period. I have also found the best way to learn about this material is by what has been recovered from privies in the city, much of which would have been otherwise lost for a variety of reasons.

All of the following artifacts were recovered by Bruce Adwell from a circa 1800-1850 brick-lined privy in Baltimore. Some of these objects are also similar to a few of the artifacts that I published yesterday in the article, 'Red Earthenware Manufactured in Baltimore, Maryland, Circa 1763-1850.'

These locally produced objects were recovered alongside a number of imported wares that dated the privy, such as transfer-printed European ceramics, mochaware, pearlware, spatterware, ironstone and shell-edged ceramics. There was even an example of locally produced mid-nineteenth century Rockingham ware from the Edwin Bennett Pottery in Baltimore. 

However, much of my enthusiasm towards Baltimore made red earthenware, circa 1763-1850 remains with the slip-decorated wares. Two terrific examples are posted below, a pan and a pitcher; whereas, yesterday I referred to these type of pitchers as "quintessential to Baltimore's red earthenware production in the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century."

Note: The captions written for each object provide more information about the context and the specific style of production.

Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Pan Recovered in Baltimore

18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Pan Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Recovered Within a Circa 1800-1850 Brick-Lined Privy in Baltimore, MD

Similar Examples were Published Yesterday

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

Red Earthenware Pitchers Recovered in Baltimore

 18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Recovered Within a Circa 1800-1850 Brick-Lined Privy in Baltimore, MD

Similar Examples were Published Yesterday

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

Another View of the Pitcher

Similar Examples were Published Yesterday

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

18th/19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Possibly Made in Baltimore, MD

Recovered Within a Circa 1800-1850 Brick-Lined Privy in Baltimore, MD

It Seems that Black-Glazed Wares Were Commonly Produced in Baltimore, MD

See Yesterday's Article for Black-Glazed Objects

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

18th/19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Recovered Within a Circa 1800-1850 Brick-Lined Privy in Baltimore, MD

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

Red Earthenware Chamber Pots Recovered in Baltimore

18th/19th Century Red Earthenware Chamber Pot Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Recovered Within a Circa 1800-1850 Brick-Lined Privy in Baltimore, MD

Possibly the Same Manufacturer as the Pitcher Posted Directly Above

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

18th/19th Century Red Earthenware Chamber Pot Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Recovered Within a Circa 1800-1850 Brick-Lined Privy in Baltimore, MD

Similar Shaped Chamber Pots Were Posted Yesterday

It Seems that Black-Glazed Wares Were Commonly Produced in Baltimore, MD

See Yesterday's Article for Black-Glazed Objects

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell 

18th/19th Century Red Earthenware Chamber Pot Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Recovered Within a Circa 1800-1850 Brick-Lined Privy in Baltimore, MD

Similar Shaped and Glazed Chamber Pot Was Posted Yesterday

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Bruce Adwell

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

Late-18th or Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Bowl Recovered from a Privy in Fells Point in Baltimore, Maryland

According to the National Park Service, "The Fells Point Historic District in southeastern Baltimore, Maryland is a harborside community along the north shore of Baltimore's waterfront that encompassed approximately 75 acres. 

Founded by William Fell (d. 1748), a Quaker, his son, Edward Fell (d. 1768) settled and built his first storefront sometime before 1763, an area that later became known as Fells Point. This bustling harbor settlement was incorporated into Baltimore Town in 1773 (and later became the City of Baltimore in 1797).

The Fells Point Ship Yard produced the first frigate of the Continental Navy, the Virginia in 1775, and the Constellation in 1797. Between 1784 and 1821, at least 800 ships were built at shipyards in Fells Point, with the most famous being the speedy Baltimore Clippers.

The district was home to seamen and sailmakers that lived in the small two-story houses, as well as prosperous merchants and sea captains who occupied the larger three-story homes. 

Predominantly eighteenth and nineteenth century residential, commercial and light industrial buildings, Fells Point also includes antebellum warehouses and some Victorian architecture, as well."

Yesterday, I posted an introductory article about the relatively unknown red earthenware production that happened in Baltimore, Maryland in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The city is known for its dynamic stoneware production during this period; however, it appears that the red earthenware aspect has been a subject that has been somewhat overlooked for the past century. In fact, there is hardly any material published on the topic.

I also wrote that not a lot is known about this production; although, in recent years, a group of individuals who dig privies in the city have uncovered a number of locally produced objects. If it were not for the preservation of these artifacts, then most of this production would be lost to construction and history.

Over the next few days, I plan to show a number of the locally made objects that have been recovered by some of the people who dig privies in the city. With that said, this beautifully glazed red earthenware bowl is thought to have been produced locally in Baltimore around the turn of the nineteenth century. It is a style that has been recovered in variouis contexts throughout the city.

This particular example was discovered by Andy Goldfrank within a late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century privy in Fells Point in Baltimore. The shape of the bowl, the rounded rim and the glaze may also exhibit a Pennsylvania influence in production. Generally speaking, I feel like I have seen similar objects over the years attributed to the Mid-Atlantic region or even lacking an attribution.

But this bowl also likely serves as proof that the Baltimore potters incorporated black-glazes, slip-decoration and even vibrant multi-colored glazes into their production. This was clearly a skilled group of red earthenware potters employed in Baltimore during the circa 1763-1850 period, who also worked alongside the city's talented stoneware potters.

Red Earthenware Bowl Recovered in Fells Point, Baltimore

18th/19th Century Red Earthenware Bowl Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Recovered from a Late-18th and Early-19th Century Privy in Fells Point in Baltimore, MD

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Andy Goldfrank

View of the Interior of the Bowl

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Andy Goldfrank

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

Red Earthenware Manufactured in Baltimore, Maryland, Circa 1763-1850

Yesterday, I posted an introductory article about the relatively unknown red earthenware production that happened in Baltimore, Maryland in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The city is known for its dynamic stoneware production during this period; however, it appears that the red earthenware aspect has been a subject that has been somewhat overlooked for the past century. In fact, there is hardly any material published on the topic.

I also wrote that not a lot is known about this production; although, in recent years, a group of individuals who dig privies in the city have uncovered a number of locally produced objects. If it were not for the preservation of these artifacts, then most of this production would be lost to construction and history.

Over the next few days, I plan to show a number of locally made objects that have been recovered by some of the people who dig privies in the city. This story begins with Chris Rowell who is responsible for discovering many important objects, which are not only limited to red earthenware production in Baltimore. But he has also recovered a variety of important artifacts from various contexts in Philadelphia, as well.

The selection of red earthenware that I have posted this morning really demonstrates the type of red earthenware production that took place in Baltimore, circa 1763-1850. Some of these objects also appear to exhibit a Philadelphia influence in production, especially some of the slip-decorated bowls and pans.

Dozens of examples are represented in the first photograph, and it should be noted that a variety of black-glazed wares are included in the exhibit. These type of objects are often generically attributed to Pennsylvania today (usually eastern Pennsylvania); however, it is obvious that similar styles were also manufactured in Baltimore.

I also wrote yesterday that red earthenware plates and platters do not appear to have been a typical style of production in Baltimore; whereas, this household need may have been fulfilled with imported wares from Philadelphia and Europe. Interestingly, I have also posted a circa 1790-1805 slip-decorated red earthenware dish attributed to Philadelphia, which was uncovered in Baltimore.

It is documented today that red earthenware was shipped from Philadelphia to Delaware in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Baltimore was also likely a destination for these type of wares, which would have perhaps traveled a similar route as did the wares that landed in Delaware. However, the amount of Philadelphia production that ended up in Baltimore is unknown since the market demand was obviously filled locally, as well.

Nonetheless, given the fact that surviving Baltimore red earthenware is likely rare today outside of a privy or an archaeological context - I am curious to know how much actually survives and either lacks a proper attribution or is incorrectly attributed to another location in America.

The following group of photos should be thrilling for anyone who has never seen Baltimore red earthenware before. I consider some of the slip-decorated pitchers quintessential to the city's red earthenware production in the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century.

Baltimore Red Earthenware, Circa 1763-1850

Variety of Red Earthenware Attributed to Baltimore, MD
All Recovered from Various Contexts in Baltimore, MD

Circa 1763-1850

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Rowell

Baltimore Red Earthenware Pitchers

Four 18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Pitchers Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Note: The Small Pitcher is Attributed to Richmond, VA

Recovered Within a Circa 1780-1820 Context

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Rowell

Three 18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Pitchers Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Recovered Within a Circa 1780-1820 Context

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Rowell

Baltimore Red Earthenware Chamber Pots

19th Century Red Earthenware Chamber Pots Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Recovered Within Circa 1830s-1840s Context

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Rowell

Another View of Three of the Chamber Pots

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Rowell

Philadelphia Red Earthenware Dish Recovered in Baltimore

18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Dish Attributed to Philadelphia

Recovered in Baltimore, MD Within a Circa 1790-1805 Context

The Potters in Philadelphia were Likely Exporting Some Production to Baltimore, MD

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Rowell

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

A Brief Overview of Red Earthenware Production in Baltimore, Maryland

I posted an article yesterday afternoon which acknowledged two feature stories I have written that will be published this year in Maine Antique Digest. An article about the eighteenth and nineteenth century potter's industry in southeastern Massachusetts will be published in the next issue - whereas, the second article examines the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth century red earthenware production in New York City, as well as the domestic wares that were shipped to the city in the 1700s and 1800s. Personally, I find both angles of this story equally fascinating.

Red earthenware was certainly manufactured in New York City before and after the American Revolution; however, this production in some ways has been overshadowed by the city's illustrious eighteenth and nineteenth century stoneware industry. A similar scenario may have also happened with the red earthenware produced in Baltimore, Maryland in the late-eighteenth and nineteenth century, which was also a city that supported a wonderful stoneware industry.

I have been told not a lot is known about red earthenware production in Baltimore today; although, this is a developing story, which has been spearheaded in recent decades by a group of individuals who dig privies in the city. These people are responsible for uncovering some of the locally produced red earthenware, which otherwise would likely be lost to construction and history.

From what I have seen, some of the red earthenware manufactured in Baltimore appears to demonstrate a Philadelphia influence. Some of the wares somewhat resemble artifacts regularly recovered from various late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth contexts in Philadelphia.

The forms found in Baltimore include bowls, chamber pots, jugs, pitchers and pots. Interestingly, I have not seen any recovered plates or platters reportedly made in Baltimore - this may suggest that these type of forms were imported from both domestic and European manufacturers.

There was also apparently an emphasis devoted to the use of slip-decoration in Baltimore, where a variety of decorative techniques were used. But a great deal of basic glazed utilitarian objects were also produced, such as black-glazed wares and objects only glazed on the interior. Although, I suspect that red earthenware manufactured in Philadelphia was also exported to Baltimore during the period, much like it was exported to Delaware, even though Delaware would have been an easier route for wares from Philadelphia to travel.

The following pitcher sold through Crocker Farm in Sparks, Maryland in October 2011 - the form and the manner of the slip-decoration are characteristic to pitchers recovered from privies throughout Baltimore and thought to have been locally made.

I have also posted a simple early-nineteenth century black-glazed red earthenware jug that was excavated in Baltimore, and also thought to have been made locally. It should be noted that the combination of the form and the black-glaze found on this object could be improperly attributed to just about any American region in the early-1800s.

Nonetheless, given the fact that surviving Baltimore red earthenware is likely rare today outside of a privy or an archaeological context - I am curious to know how much actually survives and either lacks a proper attribution or is incorrectly attributed to another location in America.

Note: Here is a link to an article that shows a domestic late-seventeenth or early-eighteenth century red earthenware jug, as well as a remarkable slip-decorated red earthenware pan that were recovered by archaeologists in Delaware. The pan is attributed to Philadelphia and similar artifacts have also been recovered within colonial contexts in Philadelphia. The pan was likely shipped to Delaware from Philadelphia, and this would have likely been a similar, but partial route that wares would have traveled to Baltimore in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Baltimore Slip-Decorated Pitcher

 Early-19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Pitcher

Likely Made in Baltimore, MD

Stands 6 3/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

Another View of the Pitcher

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

Baltimore Black-Glazed Jug

 Early-19th Century Black-Glazed Red Earthenware Jug

Excavated in Baltimore, MD and Likely Locally Made

Stands 6 3/8" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

Another View of the Jug

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

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

A Preview of Upcoming Published Articles in Maine Antique Digest

I would like to announce this afternoon that I have an upcoming feature story in Maine Antique Digest about the eighteenth and nineteenth century potter's industry in southeastern Massachusetts. This article will be released in the next issue. A lot of topics are dissected in this story, including some great archaeology, like the influence from this potter's industry found in wares exported to Rhode Island and even possibly Boston. Merchant account books are also discussed, as well as a number of wonderful surviving objects that will be illustrated. I also explain why so much green-glazed red earthenware has been found in Rhode Island in the past century that is actually from southeastern Massachusetts, as opposed to an East Greenwich, Rhode Island attribution that some of these objects have been given. Overall, I think it's an exciting article!

But I also want to announce that I have written another feature story for Maine Antique Digest, which will follow the southeastern Massachusetts article on a yet to be determined month. This is probably the most exciting article that I feel I have written - it analyzes red earthenware production in New York City in the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This is also a subject that has been somewhat overlooked throughout the years when compared to the remarkable stoneware production that occurred in New York City in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

I have been given permission to showcase a number of incredible slipware and slip-script plates that have been recovered from privies throughout New York City, which document wares shipped to the city from businesses in Connecticut, Long Island and New Jersey. These objects demonstrate the type of wares imported into the city in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. I also interpret the influence of Dutch potters and Philadelphia potters in the city.

But I have also been given permission to illustrate some remarkable never before published archaeological artifacts recovered around the city that are kept today at Chrysalis Archaeology in Brooklyn and the New York State Museum in Albany. Many of these objects probably represent local production, a type of production that is hardly recognized today.

This is also a project that probably would not have happened if it were not for generous archaeologists and scholars in the New York City-area, who were kind enough to help with this project and lend their knowledge.

Nevertheless, the following nineteenth century red earthenware "Apple Pie" slip-script red earthenware plate owned by the New York Historical Society is likely an example of the type of slipware imported into New York City in the 1800s. This plate is also a small preview of the type of wares that have been recovered throughout the city.

Slip-Script Red Earthenware Plate

19th Century Slip-Script Red Earthenware "Apple Pie" Plate

Circa 1800-1850

Likely Manufactured in the Northeast

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: New York Historical Society

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

A Brand of 20th Century Southern Red Earthenware that is Mistaken for 19th Century Production in New England

An incised log cabin is a mark often found on red earthenware mistaken for manufacturers in New England in the 1800s. In fact, I have seen this exact mark improperly attributed in recent years to southeastern Massachusetts and Maine. But it is not a mark that was ever utilized at any potter's business in New England from the 1700s to the 1900s. I have also never seen an inscribed log cabin mark used in New England in a whimsical manner, either.

This mark actually represents production from the Log Cabin Pottery in Guilford County, North  Carolina, circa 1926-1933. A variety of forms were made at this business, such as pitchers, vases flower frogs, and even rundlets. These objects were adorned in a wide variety of glazes that can sometimes be mistaken for nineteenth century production in New England.

For example, a green glazed red earthenware vase marked on the base with an inscribed log cabin sold a few years ago in Massachusetts for over $2,000. The vase had been attributed to the industry in southeastern Massachusetts based on the form and glaze, but it was undoubtedly a product from Guilford County, North Carolina.

This pitcher is an example of the red earthenware manufactured at the Log Cabin Pottery; however, this is merely just an example. As previously noted, there was a wide variety of production that ranged in form and glaze. A simple Google Images or LiveAuctioneers search will show some of the diversity that this business is known for today.

Log Cabin Pottery

20th Century Log Cabin Pottery Red Earthenware Pitcher

Log Cabin Pottery - Guilford County, NC

Marked on the Base with an Inscribed Log Cabin

Circa 1926-1933

Stands 5 1/2" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

View of the Inscribed Log Cabin on the Base

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

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

A Mysterious Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Sherd Possibly Manufactured in Philadelphia

Over the weekend, I acquired an incredible lifelong collection of auction catalogs, a complete run of The Magazine Antiques which began in 1921, among other publications from a well-known and successful antiques dealer in Newbury, Massachusetts. It was a very kind gesture; whereas this collection dates back to when this dealer's career began in 1971.

Interestingly, a fascinating red earthenware sherd was discovered Saturday afternoon as I reorganized my cellar to accommodate the 2,100 (or so) pounds of books now stored on brand new shelves. I found the sherd while my nephew and niece helped with the project.

To my knowledge, we have never seen this sherd before. It is not something that we discovered. It mysteriously fell out of a box that had been shipped to me in the past year. We have also not been able to determine if this box had any connection to this sherd. All we know is that it fell out of the box.

This sherd appears like it was made in Philadelphia in the eighteenth or early-nineteenth century, which would be a significant discovery if found in some type of context where I live. For now, though it is a mystery as to how this artifact appeared in a box in my cellar. But it's also a fun mystery!

Does anyone reading this recognize this sherd?

Collection of Books

Most of the Boxes of Books, But Not All of Them

My Nephew, Jason Helped Carry Many of the Boxes

See Article for More Information

Mysterious Red Earthenware Sherd

18th/19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Sherd Likely Made in Philadelphia

Manner of the Slip and the Mica in the Clay are Both Found in Philadelphia Pottery

Context Currently Unknown

See Article for More Information 

View of the Back

See Article for More Information

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