An Extremely Rare Signed Pitcher Found Today in New Hampshire from the Pottery in Gonic, New Hampshire

According to Massachusetts author Lura Woodside Watkins' (1897-1982) book, Early New England Potters and Their Wares, "James L. Osborn (1833-1893) was the son of Elijiah Osborn, Jr., a potter from Loudon, New Hampshire, who moved with his family to Gonic, near Rochester, New Hampshire in order to establish a pottery around 1839. After Elijiah's death, James and his brother, John C. Osborn continued in the business, carrying on the shop as partners until about 1875. John then withdrew from the concern, leaving James and his son William Osborn to manage the Gonic works until its close ten years later.

Gonic ware is (partially) characterized by mottled effects that were sometimes produced by dipping the fingers in a dark-colored glaze and dabbing it over a clear glaze (although, this technique was used at many other potter's businesses, as well and it should not be used as the only characteristic to identify pottery from Gonic). 

The ware was distributed in the usual way from peddler's carts among the surrounding towns. Milk pans sold for twenty cents, cups for ten, and large jars for forty-five or fifty cents."

While visiting New Hampshire earlier today with my niece Alexis, we found this remarkable handled lead glazed red earthenware pitcher near Concord, New Hampshire that is signed on the base "JL Osborn / 1874." Seeing that how the Gonic attribution can be misunderstood today, based on glazes, this is an honest example of Gonic pottery. The only signed pieces that I have seen from the Osborn family in Peabody, Massachusetts and New Hampshire are owned by museum's today (i.e New Hampshire Historic Society, Old Sturbridge Village, etc.). Needless to say, we are quite excited over this find!

Note: This link will redirect you to the James L. Osborn page posted on the New Hampshire Historical Society's website.

Extremely Rare Signed Red Earthenware from the Osborn Family

19th Century Lead Glazed Red Earthenware Pitcher

Made in 1874 by James L. Osborn in Gonic, NH

Base is Inscribed "JL Osborn / 1874"

Discovered Today Near Concord, NH

Stands 7 1/4" Tall

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 View of the Inscription, "JL Osborn / 1874"

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 Another View of the Pitcher

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  Another View of the Pitcher

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View of the Handle

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