19th Century Red Earthenware Jar with Original Merchant Label from Emmitsburg, Maryland

I traveled to New York and Pennsylvania earlier this week in order to study two private collections, but I also visited Henry Mercer's (1856-1930) Moravian Pottery and Tile Works and Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, as well the Renfrew Museum in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. I will write about both of these experiences in the next week or so.

But while in the process of visiting these places, I acquired this really unusual nineteenth century red earthenware apothecary jar with its original tin lid, which I believe was very likely made by one of the potters who were employed in Waynesboro in the 1800s.

The aspect about this object that really spoke to me was the fact that it retained its original nineteenth century merchant label from West Main Street in Emmitsburg, Maryland.  Interestingly, I actually drove through Emmitsburg on my way to the Renfrew Museum and the distance was about 15 miles.

Attached underneath the lid is an old label that reads, "Redware drug jar with original label / uncommon form - 19th century / glazed interior - exterior surface purposely left unglazed to be painted in any color for instant identification. Possibly made by John Bell pottery."

I should also note that I have seen a small group of these type of druggist jars before, but the lids are usually in bad condition or adhered to the jar, and the label is typically too far gone to determine any type of identification. The exterior paint is also often in bad condition, as well.

Emmitsburg, MD

19th Century Red Earthenware Apothecary Jar Likely from Waynesboro, PA

Retains Original Merchant Label from West Main Street in Emmitsburg, MD

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Main Street in Emmitsburg, MD

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Main Street in Emmitsburg, MD

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Main Street in Emmitsburg, MD

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Main Street in Emmitsburg, MD

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Main Street in Emmitsburg, MD

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Red Earthenware Jar with Original Merchant Label from Emmitsburg, MD

19th Century Red Earthenware Apothecary Jar Likely Made in Waynesboro, PA

Exterior Painted Green, Interior Glazed

Retains Origin Label from Emmitsburg, MD

Also Retains Original Tin Lid

Stands 6 3/4" Tall

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 View of the Original Merchant Label

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 View of the Back

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 View of the Glazed Interior

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 View of the Base

Notice the Kiln Furniture Mark

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View of the Old Label Adhered to the Tin Lid

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