19th Century Red Earthenware Bottle or Possibly Decanter Likely Made in New England

I have previously written about a red earthenware bottle on this website thought to have been made in northern New England, which appears to imitate an eighteenth century European onion bottle. But I have also written about other early glass forms that were also copied by American red earthenware potters during the period, such as molded salts and small dishes.

However, yesterday, I acquired the following nineteenth century red earthenware bottle or possibly even a decanter in a trade with a friend from Maine. Other than the elongated neck, it is thought that this red earthenware object imitates some of the blown-molded glass decanters manufactured in New England in the 1800s, like the example that I have posted below that was made in Keene, New Hampshire, circa 1825-1835.

It is not uncommon today to find nineteenth century potters occasionally imitated other brands in the marketplace, like glass products and imported ceramics. For example, I wrote about a circa 1795 red earthenware tea canister last weekend, which was made in Kentucky and was a known English form very-rarely found with American red earthenware production. Potters could have produced whatever they wished, but typically they only manufactured what would sell unless it was for personal use.

I believe this red earthenware bottle probably dates from the circa 1820-1850 period, and it was very possibly made in either Massachusetts or northern New England. But there are aspects about it that with more evidence could potentially suggest a central New Hampshire attribution.

Note: Click on the two links in the first paragraph of this article to see some more red earthenware objects imitating glassware from the period. Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins also illustrated a nineteenth century black-glazed red earthenware bottle in figure 66B in 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares' that she attributed to the Chesham region in southwestern New Hamsphire - this bottle is now owned by the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

Red Earthenware Bottle or Possibly Decanter

19th Century Red Earthenware Bottle that May Imitate a Glass Decanter

Likely Made in New England

Possibly Made in Massachusetts or Northern New England

Circa 1820-1850

Stands 9" Tall

(Bottom Left) 19th Century Blown-Molded Glass Decanter Attributed to Keene, NH

Blown-Molded GIII-16 Pint Decanter

Circa 1825-1835

Stands 6 3/4"

But These Type of  Decanters were Made in Larger Forms, As Well

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Jeffrey S. Evans and Associates - Mount Crawford, VA

Another View of the Bottle

See Article for More Information

View of the Interior

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View of the Base

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