A 19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Thought To Be From Southern Maine

This is a very colorful small nineteenth century southern Maine red earthenware pitcher that I picked up yesterday from Thomaston, Maine antiques dealer Ross Levett at Antiques Week in New Hampshire. There are a few characteristics about this object that caught my attention, which include the fact that it reminds me of production at the industry in North Yarmouth, Maine, circa 1791-1880, however the form of the pitcher also resembles the shape of a historically important pitcher that was recovered beneath floorboards of an eighteenth century house in Limington, Maine. The house was built for Jonathan Atkinson, who became the local minister of Limington's Congregational Church in 1794. Atkinson was originally from Newbury, Massachusetts and was a graduate of Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.

Interestingly, the pitcher is impressed with a seal and the initials "J.B.,” like those seen on early glass bottles. Nevertheless, this pitcher was discovered in 1975 when the house was restored. The belief is that the pitcher could date from the 1802-1803 period because of a fire that happened in the area of the house (where the pitcher was found), and the thought is that the pitcher was placed beneath the replaced floorboards during this time.

Furthermore, there was a Bickford family pottery located in nearby Buxton, Maine, where two generations of "James Bickfords" were employed, although this company post-dates 1803. But this Bickford family may have also operated a red earthenware business in Limington.

All of this information will be published and illustrated in my forthcoming seventh 575-page book, titled, From One Town Came Many: The Red Earthenware Industry of Ancient North Yarmouth, Maine.  

Red Earthenware Pitcher Thought To Be From Southern Maine

19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Thought to be From Southern Maine

Shape is Similar to Pitchers Produced in North Yarmouth, Maine

Also Similar to Pitchers Associated with Buxton and Limington, Maine

Stands 4 3/4" Tall

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Another View of the Pitcher

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A View of the Handle

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