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
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Photo Courtesy: Winterthur
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