A Great New England Pitcher that Sold Last Month at Crocker Farm in Maryland and Its Possible Origin

A few years ago, while researching the archaeology from the Bradford family pottery in Kingston, Massachusetts at the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C., I came across a group of sherds that looked very familiar (Lura Woodside Watkins Collection). The three-color glazed sherds very much resembled a small group of jars known to exist today, commonly attributed to Maine, without any further explanation. The attribution is likely a result of the glaze, but I have not viewed any archaeological evidence, or published or museum information to support it.

I was stunned to see these artifacts that Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins (1897-1982) collected at the site of the Bradford Pottery before 1950 because I thought these type of jars were made in Maine, as well (or Vermont). The attribution seemed like a possible scenario. But as my studies progressed, I was equally as surprised to learn that the Bradford Pottery in Kingston is not common knowledge today. This was a multi-generational family company that existed for well-over 100 years, beginning before the American Revolution. I compare the family business and its output to what was made in Merrimacport, Massachusetts, circa 1784-1890. And there was a lot of skillfully made pottery produced in Merrimacport during this period, just like there was with the Bradfords in Kingston.

New England Red Earthenware Jar

Early-19th Century New England Red Earthenware Jar

Typically Attributed to Maine, But May Have Been Made in Kingston, Mass.

See Article for More Information

Stands 8" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Skinner

However, I was also surprised while speaking with Luke and Mark Zipp from Crocker Farm this past summer in Manchester, New Hampshire, when they pulled me aside to show me a great pitcher. The pitcher was undoubtedly from the same potter as was the jars that I just referenced, selling at Crocker Farm's most recent sale in Sparks, Maryland on October 26, 2019. It  had been consigned from a longtime New England collection.

Although, I cannot 100 percent guarantee that these objects were made by the Bradfords in Kingston, I can provide strong archaeological evidence that supports my idea. The only evidence that I know about that suggests these wares were made in northern New England is a result of the colorful glaze; nevertheless, I can easily prove that this identical glaze style was also produced by the Bradfords, a family business that I firmly believe should be much better known today.

For a full history about the Bradford family pottery in Kingston, as well as another family business on Cape Cod, and current academic research, along with archaeology from the Smithsonian and Plimouth Plantation - I highly recommend a lengthy feature story I wrote for the May 2019 issue of Maine Antique Digest, titled, "The Bradford Family Potteries in Massachusetts."

New England Red Earthenware Pitcher

Early-19th Century New England Red Earthenware Pitcher

Typically Attributed to Maine, But May Have Been Made in Kingston, Mass.

See Article for More Information

Stands 7 7/8" Tall

 Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm Auctions of American Redware and Stoneware

Another View of the Pitcher

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm Auctions of American Redware and Stoneware

 Another View of the Pitcher

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm Auctions of American Redware and Stoneware

View of the Handle

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm Auctions of American Redware and Stoneware

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