A Rare Pair of Red Earthenware Mugs Made at the John Farmer Clark Pottery in Concord, New Hampshire

These are two very rare commemorative red earthenware mugs made at the John Farmer Clark (1832-1885) Pottery in Concord, New Hampshire in the 1870s, both of which are inscribed with what I believe to be the original owner’s initials. The large mug's inscription reads, “Spirit of ‘76 (for 1876), L.B.I," whereas the smaller mug's inscription reads, “M.E.R. 1878.” The inscription on the smaller mug is also highlighted with gold paint, which is original to production at the company.

Furthermore, related objects from presidential campaigns made at the Clark Pottery in the 1870s and 1880s are owned by the New Hampshire Historical Society and Historic New England, among other museums.

Note: I previously wrote about the smaller mug, inscribed, "M.E.R. 1878," in an attempt to try and interpret its meaning, although after acquiring this object last weekend, I realized that this is most likely a person's initials.

For more information about red earthenware production in the Concord area, I suggest a research story I wrote for the June 2021 issue of Maine Antique Digest, titled, The Red Earthenware Industry in Concord, New Hampshire.

Mugs Made at the John Farmer Clark Pottery in Concord, New Hampshire

Two Commemorative Red Earthenware Mugs

Made at the John Farmer Clark Pottery in Concord, New Hampshire

The Larger Mug Stands 6 1/2" Tall

Both Discovered in the Last Few Years in New England

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The Larger Mug is Inscribed “Spirit of ‘76 (for 1876), L.B.I.”

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The Smaller Mug is Inscribed "M.E.R. 1878"

The Inscription is also Highlighted with Gold Paint

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Another View of the Mugs

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A View of the Handles

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A View of the Interiors

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