A Pitcher Reportedly Made in Portland, Maine Owned by the Metropolitan Museum of Art

This is an object from the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City that I have always been intrigued with. It was acquired by the museum in 1913, as part of the Jacob S. Rogers (1824-1901) Fund, who was the president of Rogers Locomotive and Machine Works, an industry leader in manufacturing in America in the 1800s.

Upon Rogers death in 1901, he willed the majority of his wealth to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which at the time was $8 million, and a fund that is still used for acquiring specific objects today.

While I cannot prove the attribution for this pitcher, the museum says it was made in Portland, Maine sometime during the 1800-1830 period. If this is true, then it was likely manufactured at the Dodge family pottery, a multi-generational business, established in the 1790s, operating in some capacity until the 1870s. But despite the fact that this company existed for such a long period, very little is known about the overall production today. Unfortunately, twentieth century urban development also destroyed the site of the pottery and not a lot of archaeology is known from this business.

Nevertheless, in November 2017, I posted an article to this website that showed a marked sherd from the Dodges, recovered at the site of Francis O.J. Smith's (1806-1876) home in Portland, proving this type of production was owned locally. The Dodge Pottery in Portland was also a major subject in a feature story I wrote for the February 2018 issue of Maine Antique Digest, titled, The Dodges and Their Potteries.

Like I wrote, though I cannot confidently say that this pitcher is without a doubt from Portland; although, it is an object that I continue to be fascinated with, such as these pictures that I took during my most recent visit to the museum last weekend.

Red Earthenware Pitcher Reportedly Made in Portland, ME

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher

Reportedly Made in Portland, ME

Reportedly Circa 1800-1830

Stands 5 3/4" Tall

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Photo Courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art 

 View of the Handle

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Photo Courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art 

View of the Interior

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Photo Courtesy: Metropolitan Museum of Art 

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