Two Good Red Earthenware Pieces that Sold Yesterday in Manheim, Pennsylvania

For one reason or another, I find the religious nineteenth century slip script red earthenware plates and platters manufactured at the Asa Edward Smith (1798-1880) Pottery in Norwalk, Connecticut to be a fascinating subject, which is largely a result of how these pieces represent some of the culture and beliefs of that period, circa 1825-1850. And also because I do not think any other American pottery manufacturer was producing wares exactly like this for the general public, making these objects nearly a unique style of production in Norwalk. 

However, there are other instances of this type of slip script made in New York, perhaps New Jersey and Pennsylvania that can be related to this, where the most prominent example may be a plate made by John Betts Gregory (1782-1842) in Clinton, New York, inscribed, "Why Will You Die;" but the religious script produced in Norwalk was almost certainly the most abundant of any American red earthenware manufacturer. In fact, this intriguing example sold yesterday at Conestoga Auctions in Manheim, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, inscribed, "The Sixth Week in Lent."

Related examples to this type of production in Norwalk can be found in museums around the country, including Historic New England, the Connecticut Historical Society, the Norwalk Historical Society, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institute.

Although, I think it would be a great project to put together a compilation of every known inscribed religious inscription that was manufactured in Norwalk in the 1800s. 

This particular plate sold for $550 plus the auction premiums.

19th Century Slip Script Red Earthenware Plate

Attributed to the Asa Edward Smith (1798-1880) Pottery in Norwalk, Connecticut

Inscribed "The Sixth Week in Lent"

Circa 1825-1850

Measures 11" in Diameter

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Conestoga Auctions

This unmarked nineteenth century six tube red earthenware candle mold also sold in yesterday's sale, which is in keeping with my most recent article published in the March 4, 2022 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, 19th-Century Red Earthenware Candle Molds Manufactured in Southeastern Pennsylvania and Western New York. The painted wooden frame is most likely made out of pine and it also appears to retain its original wire hangers for the candles. 

This mold sold for $1,000 plus the auction premiums.

19th Century Six Tube Red Earthenware Candle Mold

Made in Either Pennsylvania or New York

The Painted Frame is Most Likely Made out of Pine

It also Appears to Retain its Original Wire Hangers for the Candles

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Conestoga Auctions

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