19th Century Red Earthenware Jar that Sold at Garth's Auctions in Ohio Formerly Owned by George R. Hamell

For a number of reasons, I find the red earthenware manufactured in western New York in the nineteenth century to be a fascinating subject to study today; those reasons include the history of these potters, the forms, the glazes, the aesthetic appeal and the use of various types of slip-decoration. But I also find it intriguing to see how this area's production is similar to wares made in New England, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, the Shenandoah Valley, Ohio, Illinois and Ontario.

I posted this information on Saturday January 18, 2019, "Earlier today, Garth's Auctions sold a good collection of American and Canadian red earthenware at their auction gallery in Columbus, Ohio. The collection was described as having been consigned from a "New York gentleman," and consisted of wares largely made in Pennsylvania and New England. Although, there were also some examples of pottery that appeared like they likely originated in the western New York and Ontario region, as well as a jar that was manufactured at the Prince Edward Island Pottery in Canada.

The highlight of the sale was a nineteenth century slip-decorated red earthenware face jug, which was previously owned by David Good in Ohio. I cannot recall having seen this exact form before, but I suspect the use of slip possibly points toward a Pennsylvania attribution.

Some of the other notable objects included an early-nineteenth century slipware plate possibly from Philadelphia, a William Pecker (1758-1820) Pottery jug with some damage from Merrimacport, Massachusetts included in a group lot, a Dryville, Pennsylvania slipware plate, a Norwalk, Connecticut slip-script dish inscribed "Edwin," and a jar likely made at the Thomas O'Hara Goodwin (1796-1880) Pottery in West Hartford, Connecticut."

However, among the interesting pieces of pottery that possibly originated in the western New York region was this nineteenth century red earthenware jar, likely retaining its original lid. Written on the base of the jar is a mark from the collection of New York archaeologist and museum specialist, George R. Hamell. Mr Hamell is responsible for a lot of the published material, which exists today about central and western New York red earthenware, including most of the written information cited by William C. Ketchum, Jr. in Potters and Potteries of New York State, 1650-1900. The mark reads, "GRH109." I have previously written about this mark, which until recently has not been entirely recognized today outside of the upstate New York region.

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Formerly Owned by George R. Hamell

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Possibly Made in New York

Privately Owned in New York

Ex George R. Hamell Collection

Stands 8 1/4" Tall

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Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions

The Jar Likely Retains Its Original Lid

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Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions

The Base is Signed by George R. Hamell's Mark

Signed "GRH109"

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Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions

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