Two Outstanding Examples of 19th Century American Slip Script Decorated Red Earthenware

These are two of the best examples of nineteenth century slip-script decorated red earthenware manufactured in the American Northeast, both of which are currently owned by Robesonia, Pennsylvania antiques dealer Greg Kramer, although previously owned by New York archaeologist and museum specialist George Hamell, as well as Manhattan antiques dealers Garrison and Diana Stradling.

The plate shown to the left is inscribed "Why Will you Die" which was made by John Betts Gregory (1782-1842) in Clinton, New York. Furthermore, there may also be a relationship found in the inscription on this plate to other related religious inscription found on plates and platters manufactured in Norwalk, Connecticut. According to Ezekiel 23, the twenty-third chapter in the Old Testament, "Say unto them, As I live, saith Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from this way and live; turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"

The plate shown to the right is also thought to have been made in New York, whereas it is inscribed "E. Selby / Conover." This is thought to represent a brief partnership between the potters Edward Selby and Abraham Conover in Poughkeepsie, New York in the 1840s.

Note: For more information about John Betts Gregory, see an article that I wrote for the April 16, 2021 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, The Wares Made By John Betts Gregory In Clinton, New York: An Examination Of Empire State Regional Redware - https://antiquesandauctionnews.net/articles/The-Wares-Made-By-John-Betts-Gregory-%0BIn-Clinton%2C-New-York/.

Two Outstanding Examples of 19th Century Slip Script Red Earthenware

Two Outstanding Examples of 19th Century American Slip Script Red Earthenware

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Photo Courtesy: Greg Kramer

This Plate is Inscribed "Why Will you Die"

Made by John Betts Gregory in Clinton, N.Y.

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Greg Kramer

This Plate is Inscribed "E. Selby / Conover"

Thought to Have Been Made in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. in the 1840s

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Greg Kramer

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