Wonderful Mid-Atlantic Red Earthenware Pitcher Found Today at a Flea Market in Maine

While out and about in Maine today, I found this wonderful eighteenth or early nineteenth century red earthenware pitcher at the flea market in Arundel, Maine. The dealer told me it was recently discovered in an estate located along the Mid-Coast of Maine. In fact, much of what this dealer brought to the flea market may have come from this estate, seeing that what was for sale appeared like a home or building of some sorts had just been cleaned out.

The pitcher is large, standing 12 1/4 inches tall. These types of pitchers are also sometimes suggested to have been made in Philadelphia, although I feel more comfortable saying it was made somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic region with Philadelphia as a possibility. But there were other places that made these types of pitchers, including elsewhere in southeastern Pennsylvania, Baltimore, Virginia, etc.

Red Earthenware Pitcher Found Today at a Flea Market in Maine

18th or Early 19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher

Likely Made in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Found Today at a Flea Market in Arundel, Maine

Possibly Circa 1770-1820

Stands 12 1/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

A View of the Handle

See Article for More Information

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

A Rare Business Card for John Fritz's Fancy Terra Cotta Works in Philadelphia

This is a great business card that recently surfaced on eBay; it is for John Fritz, who owned a "Fancy Terra Cotta Works" at 836 St. John Street in Philadelphia in the 1800s. Fritz is most known today for a type of rustic stoneware mug that bears his name, whereas a few examples of this type of production have sold through Crocker Farm in Maryland in the past ten years, although one of the mugs indicates a different address for Fritz's business.

Furthermore, there is also a John Fritz who worked as a potter in New York and possibly Iowa - according to the book, A History of the Des Moines Potteries, with Additional Information on Boonesboro, Carlisle, Hartford, and Palmyra: "The potters (at the Ebenezer Society in upstate New York near Buffalo) made dinnerware and cookware for the community kitchens as well as containers for daily tasks. Pottery was produced in the shop until 1855 when the society moved to its present location in Amana, Iowa. No pottery shop opened at the Amana location because all men were needed to help build the new community. 

New dinner ware or containers that were needed in Amana would be purchased from the outside. Both bone china and stoneware pottery was available through the general stores in each village.

Elizabeth Reitman Zuber, granddaughter of John Fritz recalls: 'John Fritz was my grandfather who married a daughter of Martin Shoup. He was Swiss; he originally was a silk weaver and then learned pottery as an apprentice with a master. He came over to the United States on a ship that took 45 days to cross the water. He lived in New York, where he learned of the Ebenezer Society and decided to join it. 

In Ebenezer, he had a pottery shop. Children would come into the shop and get scraps of clay and pottery. A young lady by the name of Dina Shoup was told by Opa (Grandpa), You like nice dishes, I'll make you a pitcher. He made pitchers, tea pots, crocks, milk pots and flower pots, as well as other items.

He came to Amana in 1855 and was a builder of houses for a number of years. He was also associated with clay in the making of clay bricks. At the age of 60, Chrisian Metz (the community leader) again asked Opa to be a pottery maker. He was living in Middle Amana.

He had a pottery wheel, I think in the washhouse, where he made pottery. The local clay was not to good for pottery as it seemed to warp a great deal. However it worked well for the making of flower pots. He made many of them. The clay came out of the backyard where he lived. I think he had an oven at this home that was heated by wood. He may have fired some of the pottery in the clay brick kilns.'"

A Rare Business Card for John Fritz's Fancy Terra Cotta Works in Philadelphia

A Business Card for John Fritz's Fancy Terra Cotta Works in Philadelphia

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: eBay

A View of the Back of the Card

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: eBay

 19th Century Earthenware Mug Attributed to John Fritz

Mug is Decorated with a Tree Branch Handle, Oak Leaves and Acorns

The Base is Inscribed  "JOHN FRITZ / 5TH R. SOMERSET ST. / PHIL"

Circa 1890

Stands 4 1/2" Tall

Here is a Link to the Auction Listing from 2015

See Article for More Information 

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm

View of the Inscribed Base

It Reads, "JOHN FRITZ / 5TH R. SOMERSET ST. / PHIL"

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm

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

A Mug Made in Keene, New Hampshire with Ties to Shelter Island in New York

Situated between Long Island’s North and South Forks, Shelter Island is a particularly distinct kind of island getaway. About three hours from Manhattan and reachable via a short car ferry from either Greenport or North Haven, the 8,000-acre isle is bordered by Shelter Island Sound to the west and Gardiners Bay to the east, and has been a destination for tourists for many years.

Shelter Island was originally the traditional home of the Manhanset people; it was appropriated by King James I of England and was part of his original grant to the Plymouth Colony in 1620. Although, once colonized, the land passed through several more hands, acquiring the name Shelter Island around 1652. By the early 1900s, several millionaires had built houses there; more summer homes and cottages cropped up after World War II.

Interestingly, while out and about a few days ago, I came across this late nineteenth or early twentieth century semi-porcelain stoneware mug that is impressed on the base, "J.S.T. & Company / Keene, N.H." Furthermore, the New Hampshire Historical Society indicates that this mark was used during the circa 1883-1917 period.

But what also caught my attention about this object is that written on the front in gold paint, it reads, "Shelter Island, N.Y." This suggests to me that it was a tourist object purchased by some sort of retailer located on Shelter Island; they probably placed some type of wholesale order through the Keene business. Additionally, I have not been able to find another example like it.

This mug will be included in a chapter in my forthcoming 465-page, 8th book, titled, An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses. The book should be available soon through bookstores in America, Canada and England.

A Mug Made in Keene, N.H. with Ties to Shelter Island in N.Y.

Circa 1883-1917 Semi-Porcelain Stoneware Mug

The Base is Impressed "J.S.T. & Company / Keene, N.H."

Stands 5 1/2" Tall

Recently Found in New Hampshire

Written in Gold Paint on the Front, It Reads, "Shelter Island, N.Y."

See Article for More Information

A View of the Base

The Base is Impressed "J.S.T. & Company / Keene, N.H."

It is Difficult to See the Mark in this Photo

See Article for More Information

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

Two Good Examples of Red Earthenware Found in an Estate in California

Two recent discoveries! This is a really good nineteenth century red earthenware jug and jar that I suspect are possibly from Vermont, which were just discovered in an estate in the San Jose, California area. The jar also retains an old carved wooden lid that was probably made after the original pottery lid broke. Both pieces survive in great condition! Although, these objects also share similarities with wares made in Ontario and New York.

Note: These jars were originally found decades ago in Vermont by Vermont antiques dealers Michael and Lucinda Seward.

Two Good Examples of Red Earthenware Found in an Estate in California

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug and Jar Possibly Made in Vermont

These Objects Also Share Similarities with Wares Made in Ontario and New York

Recently Discovered in an Estate in the San Jose, CA Area

Circa 1800-1840

The Jug Stands 9" Tall

The Jar Stands 10" Tall

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Jug and Jar

See Article for More Information

A View of the Jug's Rim

See Article for More Information

A View of the Jar's Rim

See Article for More Information

A View of the Wooden Lid

See Article for More Information

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

Article in the Charlestown Patch: Reviving an Industry: Research Restores Info About Charlestown Pottery

This is an article that I didn’t know about until today that was written just after my Charlestown book was published in November of 2020, titled, The Dawn of Independence, the Death of an Industry: The Pottery of Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Link to read article: https://charlestownbridge.com/2020/11/25/reviving-an-industry-research-restores-info-about-charlestown-pottery/

Link to buy book: https://historicbeverly.net/product/the-dawn-of-independence-the-death-of-an-industry/

Article in the Charlestown Patch

Reviving an Industry: Research Restores Info About Charlestown Pottery

See Article for More Information

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

Information About My New Hartford Book From My Publisher Historic Beverly

This information about my new Hartford book is currently posted to Historic Beverly's Facebook and Instagram pages.

Link to buy the book: https://historicbeverly.net/product/a-city-on-the-river-the-early-red-earthenware-of-the-hartford-connecticut-area/

Information About My New Hartford Book From My Publisher Historic Beverly

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

A Recently Discovered Red Earthenware Pot with a History of Ownership at the Hale Farm in Rowley, Mass. and Before that in Beverly, Mass.

This is what I suspect to be an ancient style nineteenth century or post-1870 red earthenware pot that we acquired yesterday, which was recently found in the Hale Farm in Rowley, Massachusetts. Although, the woman who owned it at the farm had previously lived in Beverly, Massachusetts, which is also where her family originated. 

Nonetheless, everything about this pot suggests to me that it appears to have been made at the Charles A. Lawrence (1829-1904) Pottery in Beverly, Massachusetts, circa 1870s-1890s. This type of ancient reproduction ware was a specialty of the Beverly Pottery, whereas this business regularly advertised itself as being the first in America to produce this type of pottery.

For instance, Lawrence regularly advertised after 1872 that his company was a "manufacturer of all kinds of earthen ware, with a large assortment of antique pottery on hand, and special attention given to the reproduction of ancient pottery, either from the originals, or from photographs, wood-cuts or drawings."

For more information about the Beverly Pottery, I recommend my first book published as part of my New England pottery book series from my publisher Historic Beverly, titled, The Beverly Pottery: The Wares of Charles A. Lawrence. I also want to add that unlike some of my other books that are sold in major cities in America, Canada and the U.K. - this book is sold exclusively through Historic Beverly.

Link to buy book: https://historicbeverly.net/product/the-beverly-pottery-the-wares-of-charles-a-lawrence/

A Recently Discovered Red Earthenware Pot

My Niece Alexis Holding the Pot

See Article for More Information

19th Century Unglazed Red Earthenware Pot

Probably Made to Imitate Ancient Style Pottery

Possibly Made at the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Mass.

Probably Circa 1870s-1890s

Stands 11 1/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

A View of the Interior

See Article for More Information

A View of the Base

See Article for More Information

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

Additional Books that I Have Authored Now Available from Hatchards in London

This is really cool! My fourth and fifth books - A Celebrated Industry: The Historic Wares of Southeastern Massachusetts, Bristol County and Cape Cod - and South Amesbury’s Red Earthenware & Stoneware: The 1791-1820 William Pecker Pottery are now available from most of the bookstores and retailers carrying my new Hartford book in America, Canada and the U.K. This includes Hatchards in London, which I believe might be England’s oldest bookstore, established in 1797.

A Celebrated Industry Link: https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/a-celebrated-industry/justin-thomas/9781891906237?fbclid=IwAR15QFk-Hysco-qR8w_gUEOKz4YK_KHHL4uBS6cj0m72d4yq1L_5UBIa-Ms

South Amesbury Link: https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/south-amesburys-red-earthenware-and-stoneware/justin-thomas/9781891906220?fbclid=IwAR3g_c2nQyzhXDtaTptSJG_FWKs11OIRol1IcPY89FoTdjS9Vv1tPJOj7Cs

Now Available at Hatchards in London!

A Celebrated Industry: The Historic Wares of Southeastern Massachusetts, Bristol County and Cape Cod

See Article for More Information 

Now Available at Hatchards in London!

South Amesbury’s Red Earthenware & Stoneware: The 1791-1820 William Pecker Pottery

See Article for More Information

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

A Great Stoneware Vase with Applied Decoration Found in Central New Hampshire

This is a really good likely late nineteenth century cold painted stoneware vase with applied roses and leaves that I found yesterday in central New Hampshire. The vase is quite large too, measuring twelve inches tall and thirteen inches across, whereas this type of applied decoration is found on a variety of red earthenware, earthenware and stoneware today that was produced by various American manufacturers in the late 1800s.

However, the basic form of this vase is also a shape that was popular with a variety of art pottery factories after 1870, including some in England, as well as the Chelsea Keramic Art Works in Chelsea, Massachusetts. 

Furthermore, this type of applied decoration is probably best known today based on a red earthenware vase that was decorated by John Bell's (1800-1880) daughter, Mary Elizabeth Bell in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, and published on page 39 in Rice and Stoudt's book from 1929, titled, The Shenandoah Pottery.

But I also prove in my latest book available from bookstores located in major cities in America, Canada and the United Kingdom, titled A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area, that this type of applied decoration was also produced by the Goodwin Brothers in West Hartford, Connecticut (as well as undoubtedly other places in America).

Nonetheless,  I believe this vase was probably made at a stoneware factory located in the Northeast, but I would not rule out a Mid-Atlantic company either. I also want to add that the size and quality of the flowers on this vase are as well-made as any American object that I have ever seen or handled - the vase is actually molded, but the flowers and leaves were all created by hand. Additionally, I suspect the paint may be original to the factory that produced this object.

Note: Earlier this year, a research story I wrote about the Galloway Terra-Cotta Company was published in the February 3, 2023 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, The Galloway Terra-Cotta Company Of Philadelphia: A Brief History and Examination; in this story, I referenced an original company catalog, where the prices for some of the wares were surprisingly quite high. Written on the bottom of this vase in pencil is $9.00, as well as something else that is illegible, but this may be the original price for this object.

A Great Stoneware Vase with Applied Decoration Found in Central N.H.

Large Cold Painted American Stoneware Vase with Applied Roses and Leaves

Found Yesterday in Central New Hampshire

The Paint May be Original to the Factory that Produced this Object

Probably Circa 1870s-1890s

Most Likely Made in the Northeast

But a Mid-Atlantic Manufacturer Isn't Ruled out

Stands 12" Tall and Measures 13" Across

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Applied Decoration

See Article for More Information

A View of the Interior

See Article for More Information

A View of the Base

$9.00 is Written on the Base in Pencil as well as Something Else

This May Have Been the Original Price

See Article for More Information

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

Now Available at Hatchards in London: A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

This is really cool! My new Hartford book is now listed on Hatchard's website in London, which I think might be the oldest bookstore in England, established in 1797.

Link: https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/a-city-on-the-river/justin-thomas/9781891906251

Now Available at Hatchards in London!

A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

See Article for More Information

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

Now Available in Canada: A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

My new Hartford book is now available at some bookstores in Montreal and Vancouver in Canada!

Argo Bookshop in Montreal: https://www.argobookshop.ca/item/xJvVFkiYvg54G5F9NdQ7ow

Book Warehouse in Vancouver: https://www.bookwarehouse.ca/item/xJvVFkiYvg54G5F9NdQ7ow

Now Available from Argo Books in Montreal

A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

See Article for More Information

Now Available from the Book Warehouse in Vancouver

A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

See Article for More Information

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

Now Available at Waterstones in Europe: A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

I get a kick out of this - my new Hartford book is now listed on Waterstones' website in Europe! The book is also listed through many more American bookstores, including shops in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Austin, Texas, Little Rock, Arkansas and Nashville, Tennessee - nonetheless see the website shop for an extended list of American bookstores.

Waterstones Link: https://www.waterstones.com/book/a-city-on-the-river/justin-thomas/9781891906251

Now Available at Waterstones in Europe!

A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

See Article for More Information

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

My Book Series Is Now Listed Through Google Books!

This is pretty cool to see! My entire book series is now listed through Google Books!

Link: https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_City_on_the_River/2V6OzwEACAAJ?hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiiivzOk6T-AhUiElkFHXQHDCYQiqUDegQIAxAf&fbclid=IwAR2OKJ3IEh5aMWYUj198pzFFanAUee8U23w5-OF75TvDyNujGAHr8ZYexto

My Book Series Is Now Listed Through Google Books!

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

New Published Cover Story in Antiques & Auction News: A Rare Example Of 19th-Century Red Earthenware From Parkesburg, Chester County, Pa: Folk Art Redware Desk Caddy Found In Canada

This is the print version of a story I wrote about a rare example of signed nineteenth century red earthenware from Parkesburg, Chester County, Pennsylvania found in a lifelong collection in Ontario, Canada, which is on the cover of the current April 14, 2023 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, A Rare Example Of 19th-Century Red Earthenware From Parkesburg, Chester County, Pa: Folk Art Redware Desk Caddy Found In Canada.

Page 1: https://www.scribd.com/document/637353339/ant-001-041423-Parkesburg-page1

Page 2: https://www.scribd.com/document/637353537/ant-002-041423-Parkesburg-Page2

New Published Cover Story in Antiques & Auction News

New Cover Story in Antiques & Auction News

Published in the Current April 14, 2023 Issue

A Rare Example Of 19th-Century Red Earthenware From Parkesburg, Chester County, Pa: Folk Art Redware Desk Caddy Found In Canada

See Article for More Information

New Cover Story in Antiques & Auction News

Published in the Current April 14, 2023 Issue

A Rare Example Of 19th-Century Red Earthenware From Parkesburg, Chester County, Pa: Folk Art Redware Desk Caddy Found In Canada

See Article for More Information

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

Now Available in Manhattan: A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

Pretty cool! My new Hartford book is now available from some independent bookstores in Manhattan! It’s also available throughout New England, including stores in Portland, ME, Burlington, VT, Portsmouth, N.H., Boston, Providence and various places in Connecticut.

Now Available in Manhattan!

Now Available in Manhattan!

A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

See Article for More Information

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

Forthcoming Central New Hampshire Book and Related Businesses

With the completion of my forthcoming 561-page Maine book - I am now working on a central New Hampshire book that will also include colonial archaeology from the pre-1755 Samuel Marshall Pottery in Portsmouth. But if anyone has any pottery or archaeology (not including what is already known in museum/archaeology department, college and university collections) from these areas that they would like to include, please contact me --

1) Concord, N.H.
2) Braintree, Mass. and Lyndeborough, N.H.
3) Boscawan, N.H.
4) N.H. Lakes Region
5) North Conway, N.H.
6) Poultney, VT
7) Brownington, VT
8) Chimney Point, VT

Forthcoming Central New Hampshire Book and Related Businesses

Forthcoming Central New Hampshire Book and Related Businesses

See Article for More Information

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

New Published Cover Story in Antiques & Auction News: A Rare Example Of 19th-Century Red Earthenware From Parkesburg, Chester County, Pa: Folk Art Redware Desk Caddy Found In Canada

A story I wrote about a rare example of nineteenth century red earthenware from Parkesburg, Chester County, Pennsylvania found in a lifelong collection in Ontario, Canada is on the cover of the current April 14, 2023 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, A Rare Example Of 19th-Century Red Earthenware From Parkesburg, Chester County, Pa: Folk Art Redware Desk Caddy Found In Canada! I will post the entire print version of the article next week.

In the meantime - here is a link to the online version of the story: https://antiquesandauctionnews.net/articles/A-Rare-Example-Of-19th–Century-Red-Earthenware-From-Parkesburg%2C-Chester-County%2C-Pa~/

New Published Cover Story in Antiques & Auction News

New Cover Story in Antiques & Auction News

Published in the Current April 14, 2023 Issue

A Rare Example Of 19th-Century Red Earthenware From Parkesburg, Chester County, Pa: Folk Art Redware Desk Caddy Found In Canada

See Article for More Information

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

Now Available from Many Major Online Bookstores: A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

Aside from Amazon - my new Hartford book is also now available from some of the other major online bookstores, such as Thrift Books, Books-A-Million and Better World Books.

Thrift Books: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/a-city-on-the-river-the-early-red-earthenware-of-the-hartford-connecticut-area_justin-thomas/38472313/item/56039315/?fbclid=IwAR1RfqO-D2rahgN5AZCdSDSgxaSlb3Sg-yyt9FvjqLM29yI-wewSIXj2fKY#idiq=56039315&edition=66407316

Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/City-River/Justin-Thomas/9781891906251?id=8806872676137&fbclid=IwAR19Tda5CpWpk4nc4erzg5nsk7vnD0jOcFJfsxOrh3-6R85tSXkcFjvvMfY

Better World Books: https://www.betterworldbooks.com/product/detail/a-city-on-the-river-the-early-red-earthenware-of-the-hartford-connecticut-area-9781891906251?_gl=1*1p18gab*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_r6hBhDdARIsAMIDhV-AbEHwKH89smUmL7p4iaA9v19e0OFhnVdi9nw8A2ewgytPBhk5mAYaAvFlEALw_wcB&fbclid=IwAR31-zvAFYLfmPlxxAIIMU-z0xFTVxMh2fq6ud7tNnTX6lxUSL4QzWBstcU

Now Available from Many Major Online Bookstores!

Now Available From Many Major Online Bookstores

This is From Thrift Books' Website

A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

See Article for More Information

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

Now Available from Many Independent Bookstores: A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

This is great! My new Hartford book is listed through 6 of the top 12 independent bookstores in America! 

The stores include --

1) Powell's Bookstore in Portland, Oregon

https://www.powells.com/book/a-city-on-the-river-9781891906251

2) The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles

https://www.shopthelastbookstore.com/book/9781891906251?fbclid=IwAR2NeGfKg396r8fg_RCtpesNwQpeLdmXkklk7Q74-TcoCNfq3NpjvRE3YWk

3) Kramers in Washington, D.C.

https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-city-on-the-river-the-early-red-earthenware-of-the-hartford-connecticut-area-justin-thomas/19900679?ean=9781891906251

4) Books & Books in Miami

https://shop.booksandbooks.com/book/9781891906251

5) Elliot Bay Bookstore in Seattle

https://www.elliottbaybook.com/item/xJvVFkiYvg54G5F9NdQ7ow

6) The Wild Detectives in Dallas

https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-city-on-the-river-the-early-red-earthenware-of-the-hartford-connecticut-area-justin-thomas/19900679?ean=9781891906251

Now Available from Many Independent Bookstores

Now Available from Many Independent Bookstores in America

This is From The Last Bookstore in Los Angeles

A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

See Article for More Information

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

New Published Story in Antiques & the Arts Weekly - William Pecker: A Massachusetts Red Earthenware & New York City Stoneware Potter

My latest research article, titled, William Pecker: A Massachusetts Red Earthenware & New York City Stoneware Potter is published on page 50 in the current April 14, 2023 issue of Antiques & the Arts Weekly. And if you have previously purchased my fourth book, South Amesbury's Red Earthenware & Stoneware: The 1791-1820 William Pecker Pottery, then this is probably an article that you may want to include with the book, seeing that this new story further supports my argument, where I suggest in the book that William Pecker was a trained Manhattan stoneware potter. Furthermore, this article is also a result of some information displayed in the New York Historical Society's current exhibit in Manhattan, titled, Crafting Freedom: The Life and Legacy of Free Black Potter Thomas W. Commeraw.

Note: If you have not already done so and you wish to purchase my William Pecker Pottery book - here are some of the retailers that sell it, including my publisher Historic Beverly in Massachusetts, although it is available from other bookstores, too.

Historic Beverly: https://historicbeverly.net/product/south-amesburys-red-earthenware-stoneware-production/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/south-amesburys-red-earthenware-stoneware-justin-thomas/1141367147

Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/South-Amesbury-s-Red-Earthenware-Stoneware-Paperback-9781891906220/815564006

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/South-Amesburys-Red-Earthenware-Stoneware/dp/1891906224

The Harvard Bookstore: https://shop.harvard.com/book/9781891906220

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/south-amesburys-red-earthenware-and-stoneware/justin-thomas/9781891906220

New Published Story in Antiques & the Arts Weekly - William Pecker: A Massachusetts Red Earthenware & New York City Stoneware Potter

New Published Story in the April 14, 2023 Issue of Antiques & the Arts Weekly

William Pecker: A Massachusetts Red Earthenware & New York City Stoneware Potter

See Article for More Information

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

Now Available at Bookstores on the West Coast: A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

My new 6th 540-page book that just came out less than two weeks ago from my publisher Historic Beverly in Massachusetts, titled, A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area is now available from Books Inc. in San Francisco, California's largest independent bookstore, and Powell's in Portland, Oregon, the world's largest independent bookstore. It also available from Hennessey & Ingalls in Los Angeles and ships from their warehouse.

Books Inc. Link: https://www.booksinc.net/book/9781891906251?fbclid=IwAR150zohjK8I54twDrWTfK-UqpWIEOotKOOgtQ3Ioya1o859eiCl6vJJQ7w

Powell's Link: https://www.powells.com/book/a-city-on-the-river-9781891906251

Hennessey & Ingalls: https://www.hennesseyingalls.com/book/9781891906251

Now Available at Bookstores on the West Coast!

Now Available From Books Inc. in San Francisco

A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

See Article for More Information

Now Available From Powell's in Portland, Oregon

A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

See Article for More Information

Now Available From Hennessey & Ingalls in Los Angeles

A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

See Article for More Information

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

Now Available From Walmart: A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

My new 6th 540-page book that just came out a little more than a week ago from my publisher Historic Beverly in Massachusetts, titled, A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area is now available from Walmart, among other retailers.

Link: https://www.walmart.com/ip/A-City-on-the-River-The-Early-Red-Earthenware-of-the-Hartford-Connecticut-Area-Paperback-9781891906251/3254830027

Now Available From Walmart

Now Available From Walmart

A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area

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

A Few Auction Results from Crocker Farm's Spring 2023 Sale in Maryland

There have been a number of incredible auction results at Crocker Farm in Sparks, Maryland this weekend, although the most surprising result (to me) is probably an eighteenth century stoneware flask attributed to the Crolius family in Manhattan that I wrote about on this website on April 25, 2022. Back then it sold at Pook & Pook in Downington, Pennsylvania for $2,394, including the buyer's premium. However, a little less than a year later that same flask just sold today at Crocker Farm for $60,000 plus the auction premium! That is a heck of an auction result!

Nonetheless, my lone purchase at Crocker Farm is what I consider to be perhaps the most attractive type of rustic tree trunk formed planter manufactured in North America in the 1800s. I purchased a colorfully glazed earthenware example that I believe was made in Ontario, Canada, which is based on the only other examples that I have seen, two nearly matching formed planters that sold in the John Wine Collection at Miller & Miller Auctions in New Hamburg, Ontario in February of 2020.

Update: After posting this article, a collector and scholar of Ontario pottery living in Canada told me that there is a fourth planter known in a museum in Ontario.

Tree Trunk Formed Rustic Planters from Ontario, Canada

19th Century Tree Trunk Formed Earthenware Planter

Attributed to Ontario

Stands 7 1/2" Tall and Measures 12 1/2" Across

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Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm

19th Century Tree Trunk Formed Earthenware Planter

Attributed to Ontario

Stands 8" Tall and Measures 12 1/2" Across

John Wine Collection

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Photo Courtesy: Miller & Miller

19th Century Tree Trunk Formed Earthenware Planter

Attributed to Ontario

Stands 8" Tall and Measures 14" Across

John Wine Collection

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Photo Courtesy: Miller & Miller

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