19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Recovered in the Fells Point District of Baltimore, Maryland

This nineteenth century lead glazed red earthenware pitcher was recently recovered by Greg Reiter from a circa 1840s context inside a wood-lined privy in the Fells Point area of Baltimore, Maryland. The wonderful form and glaze of this object represent local production in the same period. But this is also an important subject, seeing that not a lot of information has been published about Baltimore's red earthenware production, including the wares that have been recovered in Fells Point in the last 25 years.

According to the National Park Service, "The Fells Point Historic District in southeastern Baltimore, Maryland is a harborside community along the north shore of Baltimore's waterfront that encompassed approximately 75 acres. 

Founded by William Fell (d. 1748), a Quaker, his son, Edward Fell (d. 1768) settled and built his first storefront sometime before 1763, an area that later became known as Fells Point. This bustling harbor settlement was incorporated into Baltimore Town in 1773 (and later became the City of Baltimore in 1797).

The Fells Point Ship Yard produced the first frigate of the Continental Navy, the Virginia in 1775, and the Constellation in 1797. Between 1784 and 1821, at least 800 ships were built at shipyards in Fells Point, with the most famous being the speedy Baltimore Clippers.

The district was home to seamen and sailmakers that lived in the small two-story houses, as well as prosperous merchants and sea captains who occupied the larger three-story homes. 

Predominantly eighteenth and nineteenth century residential, commercial and light industrial buildings, Fells Point also includes antebellum warehouses and some Victorian architecture, as well."

Similar formed pitchers have also been recovered within circa 1780-1820 contexts in Baltimore, some of which were manufactured with slip-decoration. Although, this particular example is one of the finer Baltimore pitchers that I have seen, as a result of the variety of colors found in the glaze, as well as the way the manganese was applied.

Baltimore, MD Lead Glazed Red Earthenware Pitcher

19th Century Lead Glazed Red Earthenware Pitcher

Attributed to Baltimore, MD

Circa 1840

Stands 4 3/4" Tall

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Photo Courtesy: Greg 

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