A 19th Century Red Earthenware Candlestick that Sold Last Week in Western New York

I don't know how many of you reading this post are familiar with Ron Korman's weekly email list at Muleskinner Antiques in Snyder, New York, but it is definitely worth signing up for seeing that it includes a unique weekly one bid auction that happens every Thursday to Friday. The format of the auction is based on an email that is sent out with that week's offerings and you can reply to the email, where you are aloud one single bid and each object sells to the person who leaves the highest bid. 

For example, last week's auction included this wonderful nineteenth century red earthenware candlestick that retains a history of ownership in Western New York; in fact, it is thought that this is possibly a piece made in New York, as well. But I also would not rule out a place like Pennsylvania for its origin.

There are not too many American red earthenware candlesticks known like this today, and among the places in New York where it is documented that candlesticks were made was at Carl Mehwaldt's (1809-1887) Pottery in Bergholz, Niagara County, New York. 

The most prominent example of an American red earthenware candlestick is most likely one that was made about 1880 by Anthony Baecher (1824-1889) in Winchester, Virginia. That special candlestick sold for $60,000 plus the auction premiums at Pook & Pook Inc. in Downington, Pennsylvania in 2014. The reason it commanded such a strong price was a result of it being stamped three times on the underside "Baecher Winchester VA," as well as being regarded as the only known example of that hand-crafted form.

Interestingly, the form of this candlestick appears to have been inspired by styles manufactured at various glass factories in America, circa 1840 or thereabouts. And based on that information, it is probably safe to say that this piece dates from the circa 1840-1880 period. It is also adorned in a very attractive glaze.

Nevertheless, for more information about Carl Mehwaldt, I suggest a research story I wrote that was published in the October 15, 2021 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, Carl Mehwaldt: A Pioneer German-American Potter And 19th-Century Immigrant.

A 19th Century Red Earthenware Candlestick

19th Century Red Earthenware Candlestick Possibly Made in New York or Pennsylvania

Most Likely Inspired After a Glass Form

Most Likely Circa 1840-1880

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Photo Courtesy: Ron Korman - Muleskinner Antiques

Another View of the Candlestick

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Photo Courtesy: Ron Korman - Muleskinner Antiques

Another View of the Candlestick

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Photo Courtesy: Ron Korman - Muleskinner Antiques

View of the Base

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Photo Courtesy: Ron Korman - Muleskinner Antiques

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