This is another example of what I feel is some of the exciting archaeological evidence included in my forthcoming book from Historic Beverly in Massachusetts, titled, A Celebrated Industry: The Historic Wares of Southeastern Massachusetts, Bristol County and Cape Cod -- While meeting with a homeowner yesterday at the circa 1721 Samuel Bell (b. 1695) House in Salem, Massachusetts, I looked over a number of artifacts that were recovered a few years ago in the backyard when the foundation had some work done to it. In fact, I was really surprised to see this red earthenware sherd decorated in a raspberry, black and cream colored glaze. The reason for this is because it seems to be the same colors and glaze technique as that found on a rare style of jar. The only difference in the color of the glaze in these two pieces is the lighting that was used for the photographs.
I further explain the significance of these jars in my forthcoming book, seeing that they may be related to archaeological evidence recovered at the site of the Bradford family pottery in Kingston, Massachusetts kept at Plimouth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts and in the Lura Woodside Watkins (1897-1982) Collection at the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.
Interestingly, the Bradfords are known to have shipped production as far south as Cape Cod during this period. And while it may seem unusual for domestic red earthenware to have been shipped to Salem in the 1800s, considering the industry that existed in South Danvers/Peabody, nothing is out of the question. For instance, Philadelphia slipware has been recovered in some contexts Salem, along with wares from other areas as well. Nevertheless though, I think this is an interesting comparison!
Red Earthenware Sherd Recovered from the Circa 1721 Samuel Bell House in Salem, Mass.
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
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