An Excellent Slip-Decorated Pitcher from Beverly, Massachusetts

It was almost one month ago, that I wrote, "It was August of 2005, when I first saw this pitcher, made at the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Massachusetts, sell at a Frank Kaminski auction in Beverly; the pitcher had just been found with a long history of ownership inside an old local home. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to acquire this pitcher back then, and it has been an object that I have never forgotten about.

I then missed the pitcher when it came up for sale again a few years later; I had no idea that it had been consigned, and this time it was acquired by a Pennsylvania collector, probably thinking it was from that area because of the use of slip.

However, the third time was the charm, when that Pennsylvania collector had consigned this pitcher to Crocker Farm's most recent sale in Sparks, Maryland. I'm thrilled to own this piece because I know which home in Beverly it was found back in 2005, which is also less than two miles from where the pottery was located during the circa 1860s-1906 period."

But I was also surprised at the size of this pitcher; it's larger than I remember, as evident by how it appears, when presented by my six year old niece, Alexis.

Note: For more information about the C.A. Lawrence Pottery: here is a link to a feature story I wrote for the January 2014 issue of  the New England Antiques Journal, entitled, From Beverly to Beantown: The Pottery of Charles Lawrence.

C.A. Lawrence Pottery Pitcher - Beverly, Mass.

19th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Pitcher

Made at the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Mass.
Retains a History of Ownership in Beverly, Mass.

Circa 1870

Stands 7 5/8" Tall

See Article for More Information

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

A Wonderful Colonial Red Earthenware Punch Bowl Inscribed with the Year "1769"

I have previously written about an eighteenth century red earthenware punch bowl in the collection of the Brooklyn Museum in New York City, which was also published in a feature story I wrote for the October 2018 issue of Maine Antique Digest, entitled, The Red Earthenware Available in the 18th and 19th Centuries in New York City.

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

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

Furthermore, an early-nineteenth century stoneware punch bowl with elaborate incised decoration, attributed to John Crolius, Jr. (1755-ca. 1835) in Manhattan is in the collection of the American Folk Art Museum in New York City. The museum describes this object as a bowl that was probably produced as part of a special commission. "It is dated 1811 and bears the name Elisabeth Crane. The Crane family, for whom Cranetown (now Montclair) was named, was probably known to the Croliuses from their time of residence in that area. The form of the bowl is inspired by Chinese export porcelain of the period, and the exterior is emblazoned with elaborate foliate cobalt decoration. When the bowl was emptied of its refreshment, a beautiful cobalt full-bodied fish on the interior would be revealed."

But of all these great domestic punch bowls in museum collections, there is a lesser known example owned by the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. I believe this bowl is attributed to New Jersey, but I do not know if the potter's business has been identified. However, this bowl is also earlier than the objects I just described, since an inscription connects it to production in Colonial America.

This is a fantastic piece of pottery, seeing that it has been prominently inscribed with what may be initials, "I F," and "1769," a year that places this piece within some of the most memorable moments in American history.

Colonial Red Earthenware Punch Bowl Inscribed "1769"

18th Century Red Earthenware Punch Bowl

Possibly Manufactured in New Jersey

Inscribed with the Year of Manufacture "1769"

Measures Approximately 15" in Diameter

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

View of the Inscribed Year of Manufacture "1769"

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

View of the Base

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

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

The Potter's Business Responsible for a Pitcher, as well as a Mug in the Collection of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

Illustrated in figure 56b in Lura Woodside Watkins' book, Early New England Potters and Their Wares is what she describes as a "brilliant orange glazed red earthenware mug with manganese decoration, attributed to Essex County, Massachusetts." This mug is now in the collection of the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

I have never been able to identify the business responsible for this type of production, although I did find a related pitcher five or six years ago in central New Hampshire, exhibiting a matching glaze and handle. These are the only pieces from this unidentified company, which I am aware of today, that can be connected, as a result of the bright orange glaze, along with the thick manganese.

Based on the shape of the following pitcher, as well as the rim, I suspect that these objects were probably made at one of the many potteries operating in South Danvers (today known as Peabody), Massachusetts in the early-nineteenth century. But without archaeological evidence, I have found it difficult to determine which family in Peabody is responsible for this exact brand of production.

Red Earthenware Pitcher Found in Central New Hampshire

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Likely Manufactured in Essex County, Mass.

This Pitcher was Likely Produced at the Same Business as was the Mug Posted Below

Stands 7 1/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy; National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

Another View of the Pitcher

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy; National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

View of the Handle

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy; National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

Red Earthenware Mug Published in Early New England Potters and Their Wares

19th Century Red Earthenware Mug Attributed to Essex County, Mass.

Illustrated in Figure 56b in Early New England Potters and Their Wares

Stands 4 1/2" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy; National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

View of the Handle

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy; National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian

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

An Outstanding Stoneware Teapot in the Collection of Winterthur in Delaware

According to Winterthur Museum in Wilmington, Delaware, "Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969) became interested in American antiques in the 1920s, and began collecting early American decorative arts and architectural elements. Between 1928 and 1931, du Pont greatly expanded his house, installing important interiors from early American houses and filling the rooms with his burgeoning collection of American antiques, resulting in 175 rooms, filled with exemplary examples of Americana.

In 1951 du Pont opened his house to the public as the Winterthur Museum, and what has since been recognized as a premier museum of American Decorative Arts."

While touring the red earthenware and stoneware collection at Winterthur a few weeks ago, I greeted my tour guide, Tilly Maassen in the lobby, and we began to make our way into the museum. We eventually climbed into an elevator, holding no more than three or four people. It slowly lifted us from one level to the next. An aspect of the elevator that I really enjoyed were the old folding doors, a style commonly known today as scissor gates, and regularly found on early elevators.

Once we reached our destination, we walked off the elevator, made our way through a long beautifully decorated hallway, with magnificent rooms on either side, ending in a room that was basically nothing but exceptional eighteenth and nineteenth century red earthenware from all over America. This was far from the museum's entire collection, but it was a heck of a start.

I saw brilliant examples from Maine, Massachusetts, Western New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and so much more. But this room also housed much of Winterthur's domestic stoneware collection, including examples from both the northern and southern states.

As it may be, Henry Francis du Pont's emphasis was clearly in the direction of American red earthenware, but he also collected some stoneware. This stoneware teapot is the object that spoke to me most from all of du Pont's stoneware collection. I also believe this teapot has been previously published. But my immediate reaction was that this was an outstanding example of American production, likely from New York City or New Jersey, possibly dating from the eighteenth century.

In fact, I was so excited to see this teapot, and eventually preoccupied by the remarkable red earthenware that surrounded me, that I actually forgot to photograph this object, thus why I am using an image from Winterthur's website.

Outstanding Stoneware Teapot

American Stoneware Teapot

Likely Manufactured in New York City or New Jersey

Possibly Manufactured in the 18th Century

Stands 7 7/8" Tall

Measures 8 1/4" Wide

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

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

Exceptional 18th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Jar in the Collection of Winterthur in Delaware

Yesterday, I posted an article that examined an eighteenth century sgraffito red earthenware teapot, likely manufactured in southeastern Pennsylvania. I wrote in that article, "There are domestic red earthenware teapots from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, many of which are decorated with a black glaze, and then there is this tremendous teapot owned by Winterthur Museum in Delaware.

On multiple occasions, I have visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City - but I have never seen an American eighteenth century sgraffito decorated red earthenware teapot before. This is truly a special piece of pottery.

A few weeks ago, I toured the red earthenware and stoneware collection at Winterthur, and this is one of the objects from the tour that really spoke to me because of the rare combination of form and decoration.

This teapot is attributed to Pennsylvania, possibly the southeastern part of the state, but I don't believe the potter or potter's business has been identified. A German inscription is inscribed around the pot, just below the rim, reading, "Gott Segne euch in essen und Schrincken," which translates to something like, "God bless you in eating."

The fact that the year "1799" is inscribed beneath the handle, makes this object even more special today."

Nevertheless, this jar is another remarkable example of the state's sgraffito red earthenware production in the collection of Winterthur, likely from the same manufacturer as is the teapot. Both objects exhibit matching sgraffito flower decorations, which most likely link these pieces to the same potter or potter's business.

Eighteenth Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Jar

18th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Jar

Likely Manufactured in Southeastern Pennsylvania

Also Likely the Same Manufacturer as the Teapot Posted Below

Circa 1780-1800

Stands 9 3/8" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur 

Another View of the Jar

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur 

 Eighteenth Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Teapot

18th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Teapot, Attributed to Pennsylvania

The Year "1799" is Inscribed Beneath the Handle

Stands 5 5/8" Tall

Measures 8 5/8" Long

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur 

Another View of the Teapot

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

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

The Slip-Script Wares Manufactured at the Simon Singer Pottery in Bucks County, Pennsylvania

I wrote in an article posted on July 19 of this year, "According to the Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, "James M. Shaw (1836-1902) was a paper-hanger and painter until his death, living in Quakertown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His name and business are prominently inscribed across a slip-script dish, attributed to the Simon Singer (d. 1894) Pottery in Haycock Township, Bucks County."

That attribution is further supported by another nineteenth century slip-script advertising dish (as well as other extant examples), which I recently viewed, while touring the red earthenware and stoneware collection at Winterthur Museum in Delaware. This dish is decorated with a masonic symbol, along with the inscription, "S. Singer / Potter / Applebachville / Bucks Co. / Pa."

Even though it is regarded as later today, Singer's production is significant, as noted by an object acquired by Elie Nadelman (1882-1946), inscribed "Singer Pottery," and later purchased by the New York Historical Society in Manhattan in 1937. According to the museum, "The avante-garde scultpor Elie Nadelman is widely recognized for his elegant, modernist works. Less familiar is the pioneering folk art collection he established with his wife, Viola Spiess Flannery (1878-1962), an impressive trove of some 15,000 objects that was purchased by the New York Historical Society in 1937. Influenced by the 'peasant arts' of his native Poland and other European countries, Nadelman began collecting after immigrating to New York City in 1914."

Nadelman may have also felt a connection to Singer, seeing they were both immigrants: "Simon Singer, an immigrant from Baden, Germany worked in New York City as a brickmaker before buying a pottery in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Red earthenware potters seldom marked their wares - and, rarely inscribed their name and trade prominently on the front, making Singer's production of notable interest today."

Slip-Script Advertising Dish for Simon Singer in Bucks County, PA

19th Century Slip-Script Advertising Dish

Made at the Simon Singer Pottery in Bucks County, PA

Inscribed "S. Singer / Potter / Applebachville / Bucks Co. / Pa"

The Dish is Further Embellished with a Masonic Symbol

Measures 12 7/8" in Diameter

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

Another View of the Dish

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

Slip-Script Advertising Dish for J.M. Shaw in Bucks County, PA

19th Century Red Earthenware Advertising Plate Made for J.M. Shaw in Quakertown, PA

Attributed to the Simon Singer Pottery in Bucks County, PA

"J.M. Shaw / House Painter / Paper-Hanger etc. / Quakertown / Bucks County / Penn."

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Gary Hammond, Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum

A Remarkable 18th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Teapot Attributed to Pennsylvania

There are domestic red earthenware teapots from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, many of which are decorated with a black glaze, and then there is this tremendous teapot owned by Winterthur Museum in Delaware.

On multiple occasions, I have visited the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City - but I have never seen an American eighteenth century sgraffito decorated red earthenware teapot before. This is truly a special piece of pottery.

A few weeks ago, I toured the red earthenware and stoneware collection at Winterthur, and this is one of the objects from the tour that really spoke to me because of the rare combination of form and decoration.

This teapot is attributed to Pennsylvania, possibly the southeastern part of the state, but I don't believe the potter or potter's business has been identified. A German inscription is inscribed around the pot, just below the rim, reading, "Gott Segne euch in essen und Schrincken," which translates to something like, "God bless you in eating."

The fact that the year "1799" is inscribed beneath the handle, makes this object even more special today.

Eighteenth Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Teapot

18th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Teapot, Attributed to Pennsylvania

The Year "1799" is Inscribed Beneath the Handle

Stands 5 5/8" Tall

Measures 8 5/8" Long

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur 

Another View of the Teapot

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur 

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

The Phenomenal Wares Manufactured by Anthony Wise Baecher in Winchester, Virginia

Yesterday, I posted an article that showed examples of red earthenware figurals manufactured in Virginia in the 1800s. Among those objects were some pieces made by Anthony Wise Baecher (1824-1889), an extremely skilled potter who was employed in both Maryland and Virginia through the course of his career.

Baecher is most known today for figural sculpture and a variety of others forms that he manufactured in Mechanicstown, Maryland and Winchester, Virginia. But I have always viewed his best objects as those that were produced with an applied ornamental bird.

While recently touring the red earthenware and stoneware collection at Winterthur Museum in Delaware, I saw a number of examples of pottery manufactured by Baecher in Winchester, likely in the 1870s or early 1880s. But of those objects, an exceptional two piece green glazed red earthenware flowerpot or urn really stood out from the group.

I can only begin to imagine how Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969) reacted when he first saw this object, and his later excitement once he acquired it. I also feel this could be an underappreciated object today, seeing it may not be widely known by a national audience.

Nevertheless, I truly believe this object is an absolutely spectacular example of nineteenth century American folk pottery, as well as a phenomenal survivor of the wares manufactured in the Shenandoah Valley. To my knowledge, this is the only example of this form, decoration and glaze in existence - although, I would certainly be pleased to learn otherwise.

Note: It should be noted that the form is different, but a marked two piece green glazed red earthenware flowerpot or urn, made at the Dodge Pottery in Portland, Maine is kept in the collection of the Maine Historical Society today. This object was also published in a feature story I wrote for the February 2018 issue of Maine Antique Digest, entitled, "The Dodges and Their Potteries."

Anthony Wise Baecher - Winchester, VA

(Middle) 19th Century Green Glazed Red Earthenware Flowerpot or Urn

Made by Anthony Wise Baecher in Winchester, VA

Marked on the Base of the Bowl "BAECHER / WINCHESTER VA"

Marked Twice on the Base "BAECHER / WINCHESTER VA"

Stands 9 5/8" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

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

Southeastern Massachusetts Red Earthenware Jug Recently Discovered in Maine

While out and about Christmas shopping last weekend with my niece, Alexis, we decided to stop at an antique shop in Maine and look around. We have visited this shop a number of times in the past and have left empty handed many of those visits. But it's the times that we do find an object of interest that makes it totally worth it.

Inside the shop, we were surprised to see this wonderful formed black glazed red earthenware jug from the industry surrounding the Taunton River in southeastern Massachusetts. The jug was likely made by a potter from the Boyce, Chace, Purintan or Shove families in either Berkely or Somerset, Massachusetts, circa 1770-1830.

This is one of the better formed style of jugs produced in all of New England in the eighteenth or nineteenth centuries. The black glaze was the darkest color applied on this form, but more vibrant glazes were used, as well, such as green and orange.

Note: For more information about the industry in southeastern Massachusetts, I recommend a feature story I wrote for the June 2018 issue of Maine Antique Digest, entitled, The Pottery Industry in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Red Earthenware Jug from Southeastern Massachusetts

My Niece Alexis with the Jug Just After We Found it in Maine

See Article for More Information

 Late 18th or Early 19th Century Black Glazed Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed to the Industry Surrounding the Taunton River in Southeastern Mass.

Circa 1770-1830

Stands 6 1/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

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

Wonderful Examples of Red Earthenware Figurals Manufactured in Virginia in the 1800s

As I wrote in an article posted earlier today, "I was genuinely delighted to see the variety of red earthenware figures in the collection of Winterthur Museum in Delaware, a type of production that in many ways is unsurpassed elsewhere in this country, with maybe an exception of the figures made in Virginia."

Nevertheless, these are some of the excellent examples of red earthenware figures from Winterthur's collection that were manufactured in Virginia in the 1800s. The lion is an iconic example made by John Bell, Sr. (1800-1880) in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania; although, there are also incredible related examples manufactured by his brother, Solomon Bell (1817-1882) in Virginia, displayed at the Renfrew Museum in Waynesboro, as well as the William and Susan Mariner Gallery at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Virginia Figures in the Collection of Winterthur in Delaware

19th Century Red Earthenware Dog with Man

Attributed to Anthony Wise Baecher in Virginia

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

19th Century Red Earthenware Dog with Man

Attributed to Anthony Wise Baecher in Maryland or Virginia

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

 (Far Left and Far Right) 19th Century Red Earthenware Figural Candlesticks

Made by Solomon Bell in Strasburg, VA

Circa 1882-1908

(Middle Left) 19th Century Red Earthenware Dish with Cover

Possibly Made by Solomon Bells and Sons - Strasburg, VA

Underside Inscribed "RFB"

Circa 1882-1908

(Middle Right) 19th Century Red Earthenware Lion

Made by John Bell, Sr. in Waynesboro, PA

Circa 1840-1865

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

(Far Left and Far Right) 19th Century Red Earthenware Sugar Bowls

Attributed to Anthony Wise Baecher in Virginia

(Middle Left and Middle Right) 19th Century Red Earthenware Figural Candlesticks

Marked Samuel Bell and Sons - Strasburg, VA

Circa 1860-1890

(Middle) 19th Century Red Earthenware Figural Bottle

Attributed to Solomon Bell in Strasburg, VA

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

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

Awesome Collection of Whimsical Red Earthenware Figures Owned by Winterthur in Delaware

Yesterday, I posted an article about the Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker Collection (1843-1916), which was sold at Freeman's Auction in Philadelphia in the summer of 1920. This is truly an important collection, but it's also a collection that is not widely known today.

While I flipped through the pages of this catalog a few years ago, I noticed two aspects of Pennsylvania pottery production that must have interested Governor Pennypacker - the first being sgraffito, followed by the state's prolific production of whimsical figures.

These categories were also of great interest to Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969), when he began acquiring pottery, as part of his Americana and architectural collection at Winterthur Museum in Delaware, beginning in the 1920s.

I recently toured Winterthur's red earthenware and stoneware collection, which combines many aspects of eighteenth and nineteenth century production from across America. But the whimsical figures are certainly a focal point of the collection. I was genuinely delighted to see the variety of figures, a type of production that in many ways is unsurpassed elsewhere in this country, with maybe an exception of the figures made in Virginia.

Clearly many of the potters employed in Pennsylvania in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were skilled artisans; although, these craftsmen also showed an artistic capability, breaking away from their day-to-day household utilitarian production, and manufacturing some of the most playful and mischievous figures.

In one way or another, Winterthur's collection may also be the best assortment of figurals owned anywhere today, whether it be a private collection or museum. Furthermore, these objects are not signed, so in many cases, it is difficult to gather facts to create an accurate attribution.

However, as I wrote yesterday, the Pennypacker auction catalog was published with a number of attributions that still hold true today. There was also an attribution given for some of the figures in the catalog to a potter I had never heard of before, who was employed in Pennsylvania in the 1800s. I am not going to name this potter today since I have not conducted any research around his work, but some of the pieces that were attributed to him in the Pennypacker Collection are also represented in Winterthur of basically identical manufacture. This potter's name may or may not shed new light into the manufacture of some of these figures in the 1800s.

Collection of Whimsical Figures Owned by Winterthur in Delaware

 19th Century Whimsical Red Earthenware Monkeys from Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

 19th Century Whimsical Red Earthenware Figures from Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

  19th Century Whimsical Red Earthenware Figures from Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

  19th Century Whimsical Red Earthenware Figures from Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

  19th Century Whimsical Red Earthenware Dogs from Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

  19th Century Whimsical Red Earthenware Birds from Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

  19th Century Whimsical Red Earthenware Birds from Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

  19th Century Red Earthenware Dog

Attributed to the Wagner Pottery - Carbon County, PA

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

  19th Century Whimsical Red Earthenware Dog Probably from Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

  19th Century Whimsical Red Earthenware Dog from Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

  19th Century Whimsical Red Earthenware Dog Probably from Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

  19th Century Whimsical Red Earthenware Dog Probably from Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

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

The Samuel W. Pennypacker Collection that Sold at Freeman's in Philadelphia in the Summer of 1920

While visiting the home of antiques dealer, Greg Kramer a few years ago in Robesonia, Pennsylvania, I viewed a stack of old twentieth century auction catalogs that he had recently purchased. They were sitting on the floor; one of the catalogs really stood out from the rest, and it appears to be an important early collection that is not widely known today. I quickly flipped through the pages, and was really surprised to see an exceptional variety of Pennsylvania pottery, many with attributions that still hold true today.

The catalog presented the The Collection of Early Pennsylvania of the Late Honorable Samuel W. Pennypacker; the collection was sold through the course of four days on June 28, 29, 30 and July 1, 1920 at Samuel T. Freeman and Company in Philadelphia, more commonly known today as Freeman's Auction.

Samuel Whitaker Pennypacker (1843-1916) was a Pennsylvania judge, author and served as the state's 23rd Governor from 1903-1907. But he was also among the first group of collectors who appreciated the history of Pennsylvania's decorative arts, especially the state's spectacular sgraffito production from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, as well as Pennsylvania whimsical pottery figures.

According to Freeman's, "The early history of the people of Pennsylvania was the hobby of the late Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker. His collection of rare imprints from the first presses through eastern Pennsylvania was just celebrated, and while that part of his collection is better known, especially among bibliophiles, yet his interest as a collector was not limited to the output of printing presses. 

His accumulations of Pennsylvania Dutch (and German) pottery, Stiegel glass, and pewter is worthy of special attention, as are a number of pieces of antique furniture. Some of the other parts of the collection, while perhaps of less general interest, are most unique. These are exemplified in the woven baskets, linen and samplers, stove plates, tools, and implements made and used by the people of this state in times gone by. Many of these specimens could not be duplicated. To anyone who is interested in the early life of the Commonwealth, this sale is bound to be of great interest."

More recently, I thought about the Pennypacker Sale while I toured the red earthenware and stoneware collection at Winterthur Museum in Delaware. I speculated whether any of the pieces from the sale had been acquired by Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969). But it would seem unlikely, seeing that the Pennypacker Collection was sold just before du Pont began purchasing items for his collection of American decorative arts and architectural elements in the 1920s.

I then thought about the pottery collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and if any of those objects had been purchased at Freeman's in Philadelphia in the summer of 1920. I figure the auction must have been a well-publicized event - and, while there are some similar objects, I have not been able to find any information that says the museum purchased any of Pennypacker's red earthenware, either.

Nevertheless, the museum does own a remarkable sgraffito handled jar that is clearly from the same maker as is a jar from the Pennypacker Collection. According to Freeman's, "This large yellow slip jar is manufactured with two broad loop handles and a narrow neck. It is profusely decorated with floral designs, peacocks, and an incised inscription along the shoulder. It was made by George Hubener (1757-1828) in his most lavish style from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania."

A few weeks ago, I took notice of an example of Hubener's sgraffito production in the form of a plate in the collection at Winterthur, prominently decorated in the center with the same type of peacock, supporting the attribution.

Another object of interest from the Pennypacker Sale was a sgraffito plate, possibly made by Johannes Neesz (Neis) or his son, John Neesz (Neis) (1785-1867) in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The Neeszs wares are certainly among my favorite types of Pennsylvania pottery, as well as David Spinner (1758-1811) in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Interestingly, production from these potters can appear similar since the elder Neesz was a student of Spinner's; their pottery is well-represented in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, as well as Winterthur, including a plate attributed to the younger Neesz of almost identical manufacture.

The information published by Freeman's reads, "Red earthenware pie plate with portrait of George Washington, with trumpet and swords in hands. Yellow slip with incised outlines and applied colors, has floral decorations and border. Made by Johannes Neesz, potter at Tylersport, Montgomery County in 1800."

According to an article published in the December 1940 issue of American Collector Magazine, "Near Tylersport, Montgomery County, John Neesz and his father Johannes Neesz, applied leaping stags, sprays of conventional flowers, festoons, to plates and vegetable dishes, platters, sugar bowls and pitchers. They made sets of dishes and sets of sugar bowls and creamer pitchers covered with dark glaze like some of the English ware, having ornate handles and festoons of slip. Humor crept in - crude, inelegant, timely - pointing obvious morals. In the possession of the Pennsylvania Museum is a piece of Neesz pottery in black-and-white, traced on the red body and forming the figure of a bird standing amongst heavy foliage. In German script are the words: "I cook what I can, Is my pig neat, so is my man."

Black Sgraffito Plate in the Collection of Winterthur

Possibly Made by the Neeszs or Neis in Montgomery County, PA

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

19th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Plate

Attributed to John Neesz or Neis in Montgomery County, PA

Circa 1810-1820

See Article for More Information

Photo  Courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art

Certain of the pottery made by John Neesz is covered with a thin varnish, a process known as smear glaze. There is also proof that patterns were used by this man for some of his pieces. On a large pie dish of smear glaze is scratched the figure of a mounted soldier, resembling in many respects the figure and face of George Washington. The horse which he rides is in line relief, the figure of the mounted man in color, solidly filled in. Applied to flowers and leaves are patches of colored glazes. Sometimes a sabre was substituted for a pipe or a trumpet in the hand of a mounted figure."

In spite of all that, I wouldn't be surprised to learn that some of Samuel W. Pennypacker's pottery has been purchased or even gifted to museums, possibly lacking the Pennypacker provenance. But there may also be pieces out there today, which have also lost this provenance, thus why this is an important catalog to own, illustrating dozens of pieces of wonderful pottery, manufactured in Pennsylvania in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Samuel W. Pennypacker Sale, June 28, 29, 30 and July 1, 1920, Philadelphia

 Catalog for the Sale of Samuel W. Pennypacker's Collection of Pennsylvania Decorative Arts

Sold by Freeman's in Philadelphia on June 28, 29, 30 and July 1, 1920

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Information Published in Catalog About Samuel W. Pennypacker, as well as the Auction Contract

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 Lot No. 256

Remarkable Sgraffito Red Earthenware Jar

Sold in the Pennypacker Collection at Freeman's in Philadelphia in 1920

Attributed to George Hubener in Montgomery County, PA

See Lot No. 56 for Description

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Another View of the Jar

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 A Similar But Not the Same Jar from the Pennypacker Sale

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Photo Courtesy: Philadelphia Museum of Art

Another View of the Jar

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Photo Courtesy: Philadelphia Museum of Art

 18th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Plate

Attributed to George Hubener in Limerick Township, Montgomery County, PA

The Peacock in the Center is the Same Bird Used on the Jars Above

Circa September 4, 1787

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Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

Lot No. 242

18th/19th Century Red Earthenware Plates

Sold in the Samuel W. Pennypacker Sale at Freeman's in Philadelphia in 1920

See Lot Numbers 236, 228 and 242 for Descriptions

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(Right) Sgraffito Red Earthenware Plate

Attributed to Johannes Neesz or Neis, Montgomery County, PA

See Objects Below for Similar Examples

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 19th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Plate

Attributed to John Neesz or Neis, Montgomery County, PA

Circa 1800-1820

See Plate from the Pennypacker Sale for a Similar Example

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

 19th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Plate

Attributed to John Neesz or Neis, Montgomery County, PA

Circa 1800-1820

See Plate from the Pennypacker Sale for a Similar Example

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

 19th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Plate

Attributed to John Neesz or Neis, Montgomery County, PA

Circa 1800-1820

See Plate from the Pennypacker Sale for a Similar Example

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

18th/19th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Plate

Possibly Made by David Spinner in Bucks County, PA

Circa 1780-1811

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Winterthur

 18th/19th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Plate

Attributed to David Spinner in Bucks County, PA

Circa 1800

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art

18th/19th Century Sgraffito Red Earthenware Plate

Attributed to David Spinner in Bucks County, PA

Circa 1800

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art

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