A Good Late 19th Century Stoneware Churn with a Leaping Deer in Cobalt that Sold Today on Long Island in New York

A small selection of nineteenth century cobalt decorated stoneware sold today at South Bay Auctions on Long Island in East Moriches, New York, whereas those objects included a circa 1880 five-gallon stoneware churn stamped "J. Burger Jr. / Rochester, N.Y." which was decorated with a leaping deer. 

This pottery was a continuation of previous businesses that operated in Rochester that involved the well-known potter John Burger (1811-1885), among other important names, although in 1867, Burger turned the business over to his sons, John Burger, Jr. (1844-1904) and George Burger (1842-1898).

Early on the pottery was known as “Burger and Lang” (1870-1876), where George Lang married John Burger’s daughter, Mary (1846-1892), and joined the business in 1870. He left the company in 1877 and Burger’s two sons continued as “Burger and Co.," circa 1877-1880. John Burger, Jr. was in control during the final decade and marked his wares, “J. Burger Jr., Rochester, N.Y.," circa 1880-1890.

Furthermore, stoneware churns made at the Burger Jr. Pottery are some of the most desirable forms made in upstate New York today, such as some examples decorated with lions that have sold for tens-of-thousands of dollars in recent years at Crocker Farm in Sparks, Maryland.

Additionally, the churn form was prolifically produced in western New York, and often adorned with elaborate and skillfully applied figures in cobalt, which included multiple businesses in Rochester, as well as at the C.W. Braun Pottery in Buffalo. It has also been suggested that Rochester production may have been the original influence for this form in the region. But variations of deer were also some of the most popular types of cobalt decoration found on stoneware in the 1800s, which spanned production with various makers in New York, Vermont and Massachusetts, as well as other states

However, among the most prolific examples utilizing a deer is a cobalt decorated stoneware figural that was made about 1875 in either western Pennsylvania or Ohio, which has been owned multiple times in recent decades by Robesonia, Pennsylvania antiques dealer Greg Kramer. Interestingly though, I can only remember seeing one example of a nineteenth century red earthenware deer figural that was also previously owned by Kramer along with Kelly Young.

Nevertheless, this churn sold for $5,600 plus the buyer's premium.

Note: For the rest of the pottery in the sale - here is a link to the auction catalog: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/315974_art-antiques-silver-jewelry-and-sporting/.

Late 19th Century Stoneware Churn with a Leaping Deer in Cobalt

Late 19th Century Cobalt Decorated Stoneware Churn

Decorated with a Leaping Deer

Stamped "J. Burger Jr. / Rochester, N.Y."

Circa 1880

Stands 17 1/2" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: South Bay Auctions

This is John Burger (1811-1885)

See Article for More Information

This is John Burger Jr. (1844-1904)

See Article for More Information

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

Published Feature Story in Antiques And The Arts Weekly: The Salt-Glazed Stoneware Made By Russell Crook, South Lincoln, Mass.

A few weeks ago, I posted a story to this website that gave a preview of a forthcoming published feature story that I had written, titled, A Preview of a Forthcoming Feature Story in Antiques And The Arts Weekly - the Career of Russell G. Crook; nevertheless, that story is published on pages 50-51 in the current February 9, 2024 issue of Antiques And The Arts Weekly, titled, The Salt-Glazed Stoneware Made By Russell Crook, South Lincoln, Mass.

Here is a link to a PDF of the February 9th issue: https://digital.olivesoftware.com/olive/odn/aaw/default.aspx#

Here is link to a PDF of the feature story: https://www.scribd.com/document/702785655/0209-D-050-ANA-Russell-Crook-Jan-31-2024

Published Feature Story in Antiques And The Arts Weekly 

The Salt-Glazed Stoneware Made By Russell Crook, South Lincoln, Mass.

Published in the February 9, 2024 issue of Antiques And The Arts Weekly

Published on Pages 50-51

See Above for More Information

The Salt-Glazed Stoneware Made By Russell Crook, South Lincoln, Mass.

Published in the February 9, 2024 issue of Antiques And The Arts Weekly

Published on Pages 50-51

See Above for More Information

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

A Late 19th Century Picture of Factory Workers Outside of a "Pottery Works" with a Pencil Drawing of a Kiln on the Back

This is a really cool discovery that was recently found in an old estate in the Boston area, whereas, to my knowledge, this is an undocumented late nineteenth century picture of a group of factory workers that are standing outside a pottery business. The sign above the doorway reads, “Pottery Works.” Furthemore, a pencil drawing of a kiln is on the back of the picture.

Does anyone recognize anything about this image that could be used in identifying the location? At the least, I suspect this is an American factory.

Late 19th Century Picture of Factory Workers Outside of a "Pottery Works

Probably Late 19th Century Picture

Depicts Factory Workers Outside of a "Pottery Works"

The Sign Above the Door Reads "Pottery Works"

Recently Found in an Old Estate in the Boston Area

Possibly Circa 1870-1900

See Above for More Information

Another View of the Picture

See Above for More Information

The Sign Above the Door Reads "Pottery Works"

See Above for More Information

A Pencil Drawing of a Kiln is on the Back of the Picture

See Above for More Information

Another View of the Drawing

See Above for More Information

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

A Majolica Type Earthenware Hanging Basket Found Years Ago in an Old House Located to the North of Boston

Three or four years ago, I found this late nineteenth or early twentieth century majolica type earthenware hanging basket (flowerpot) in a group antique shop in Rowley, Massachusetts, although I was told it was found years ago in an old house located to the north of Boston. I have never been sure whether it was made in America or Europe, although I have always suspected that it had a chance to be American made. 

Furthermore, the basket was molded, while the flowers and leaves appear to have been hand-modeled. But when I found this object, I had hoped that it may have been made by the Odell & Booth Brothers in Tarrytown, New York, circa 1880-1884, which is located along the Hudson River about twenty miles north of the Bronx in New York City. 

The history of the Odell & Booth Brothers is rather fascinating, too, whereas in 1880, Charles Mortimer Odell (1848-1925) established the factory with Henry and Walter Booth, two brothers from Staffordshire, England. Some good examples of this company's production are displayed in the Americana Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, the Newark Museum of Art in New Jersey and the Baltimore Museum of Art. It some ways, this company's production also goes with some of the great pottery that was produced in Brooklyn during this period, also found displayed at the MET, as well as the Brooklyn Museum.

An identifying aspect of this company's decorative pottery included the use of applied flowers and leaves, especially in the style of those found on this hanging basket, a type of production that was also created by a variety of others red earthenware and stoneware potters in the late 1800s, which were located in the Mid-Atlantic region, Ohio, West Hartford, Connecticut and in Massachusetts, as well as perhaps other locations. However, the Odell & Booth Brothers also utilized an impressed company mark that read "O&BB" and a signed mark with the same letters. Although, this basket does not appear to be marked, but the stamp was also usually applied to a flat base. 

Other forms produced in Tarrytown included a majolica dog pitcher that is similar to types manufactured by the Haig Pottery in Philadelphia, along with more traditional pitchers and a wide variety of vases, among possibly other shapes.

Nevertheless, the popularity of hanging planters speaks to the Victorian-era penchant for botany and horticulture—and the trend toward building conservatories and greenhouses, where these types of planters were displayed. Production of these types of majolica planters were also quite popular with pottery factories in the United Kingdom and Europe in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Thoughts?

Note: Here is a link to another object decorated in a similar style that I found last year in central New Hampshire: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2023/04/a-great-stoneware-vase-with-applied.html?fbclid=IwAR09ONwnRndU-Df800eWyUckbXwXp7l3jfFllIYyQQQrwp91gGRbH-rkcFo.

Majolica Type Earthenware Hanging Basket

Probably Late 19th or Early 20th Century Majolica Type Earthenware Hanging Basket

Found Years Ago in an Old House Located to the North of Boston

This Type of Pottery was Produced in Tarrytown, New York

Possibly Circa 1880-1920

See Article for More Information

A View of Some of the Applied Flowers and Leaves

See Article for More Information

A View of the Interior of the Basket

See Article for More Information

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

Good Examples of 19th Century Great Road Pottery that Sold Yesterday at Case Antiques in Tennessee

Some good examples of nineteenth century red earthenware and stoneware from Virginia and Tennessee sold yesterday at Case Antiques in Knoxville, Tennessee. My favorite object was a nineteenth century double-handled red earthenware jar with brush strokes of black, which is a style of production often associated with the Cain Pottery in northeast Tennessee, circa 1820-1850 or so. These types of jars can also be found in the collection of the Art Museums at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia (jar 1 and jar 2) and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 

Interestingly, though, a somewhat similar shape of jar was also produced by the Buck family in Wythe County, Virginia in the 1800s, although it is unclear to me if there is any connection or if it was merely just a regional influence. But there is also some red earthenware that overlaps production in both northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia (also sometimes known as Great Road pottery). Furthermore, this jar may have also been made Washington County, Virginia.

Nonetheless, born in 1782 of German heritage in North Carolina, Leonard Cain (1782-1842) started the Cain Pottery in Blountville, Tennessee (Sullivan County). It is believed that he had migrated from the Valley of Virginia before establishing this business. Sullivan County deed records place him in the area no later than 1814. 

Leonard's sons, Abraham B. Cain and William Cain were also potters - and, William Cain's son, Martin Cain continued the pottery until the early 1900s. Martin represented the last of the Cain dynasty. The Wolford and Henshaw families were married to members of the Cain family, and they also assisted in the pottery operation.

In 1850, the census records actually noted Abraham’s occupation as “potter.” William, like so many potters, called himself a “farmer,” possibly considering their family pottery business a sideline occupation. Their brother, Eli, lived in Wythe County and he also acknowledged his occupation as “potter.”

Although, the Cain Pottery was in operation for more than 75 years, the pottery forms changed little, if any, over this period. Indeed, once the dangers became well known about lead glazes, many potters converted to stoneware production. However, it appears that the Cains were producing red earthenware forms until at least 1897 (latest dated piece).

Furthermore, this jar sold yesterday for $15,000 plus the buyer's premium, whereas I want to note that this type of flat rim is also found with some potters who worked in Western New York in the 1800s, a type of rim that seems to be rather unusual to find today when compared to the totality of American red earthenware production in the nineteenth century.

The sale also included a nineteenth century red earthenware jug attributed to the Cain Pottery that appears to be the same jug that is illustrated on page 251 in Figure 2-98 in the book, Tennessee Potteries, Pots and Potters - 1790s to 1850 Volume 1. This jug sold for $800 plus the buyer's premium.

For the rest of the pottery in the sale - here is a link to the auction catalog: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/313040_winter-fine-art-and-antique-auction-day-1/.

Note: The shape of this jug is also reminiscent to a nineteenth century red earthenware jug that I own from Virginia, which was published in a feature story that I wrote for the July 2, 2021 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, The Story of Andrew Pitman: A Revolutionary War Veteran Turned Potter in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2021/06/most-recent-published-story-andrew.html.

Good Examples of 19th Century Great Road Pottery

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to the Great Road

Possibly Made at the Cain Pottery in NE Tennessee

Or Possibly Made in Washington County, Virginia

Probably Circa 1820-1850

Stands 8 1/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Case Antiques

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to Sullivan County, TN

Most Likely Made at the Cain Pottery

Illustrated in Tennessee Potteries, Pots and Potters - 1790s to 1850 Volume

Stands 7 3/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Case Antiques

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

An Early Stoneware Jug Decorated With "Constitution" that Sold This Week in Maryland

There is a good amount of interest across the east coast with the potting career of Branch Green (1773-1847), who worked in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware in the late eighteenth and nineteenth century, among perhaps other areas. The stoneware that he produced was typically done so in early shapes and glazes with little decoration when compared to the amount of cobalt applied by some of the other potters located elsewhere in America. Furthermore, this excellent jug was suggested to have been made by Green when it sold this week at Dixon's Crumpton Auction in Maryland; the jug was decorated with a ship in cobalt and the script "Constitution," although Green is also known for impressed decorations that he created with a coggle wheel.

The USS Constitution, also known as Old Ironsides, is a three-masted wooden-hulled heavy frigate of the United States Navy. The ship is the world's oldest commissioned naval warship still afloat, having been launched in 1797, one of six original frigates authorized for construction by the Naval Act of 1794 and the third constructed.

Constitution is most noted for her actions during the War of 1812 against the United Kingdom, when she captured numerous merchant ships and defeated five British warships: HMS Guerriere, Java, Pictou, Cyane, and Levant. The battle with Guerriere earned her the nickname "Old Ironsides" and public adoration that has repeatedly saved her from scrapping. She continued to serve as flagship in the Mediterranean and African squadrons, and she circled the world in the 1840s. During the American Civil War, she served as a training ship for the United States Naval Academy. She carried American artwork and industrial displays to the Paris Exposition of 1878.

Constitution was retired from active service in 1881 and served as a receiving ship until being designated a museum ship in 1907. 

According to a book written by Susan H. Myers, titled, Handcraft to Industry: Philadelphia Ceramics in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century: "Branch Green was a stoneware potter in Troy, New York by 1799, when he placed the following announcement in the Troy Northern Budget: "Two Journeymen Potters that can recommend themselves to their work, may find good encouragement to work in a Stoneware factory the ensuing season by applying to, Branch Green."

In 1801 he placed the following ad in the same paper: "Two hundred cords of Pine Wood to be delivered at Morgan & Smiths Stone Ware Factory, at the South-East part of the village of Troy, for which a generous price will be given. Also two or three Journeymen Potters that can come well recommended as workmen at the Stone Ware manufactory. Likewise two lads about 15 or 16 years of age, as Apprentices to the above Business. Apply to Messrs. Morgan and Smith or to the subscribers, Branch Green, Rowland Clark."

And in 1802 he advertised again for two journeymen potters: "Two Journeymen Potters, that can recommend themselves by their work, will find good encouragement for any length of time, not exceeding six years nor less than one, by applying to the subscriber. Their work will be confined to turning stone ware, Branch Green."

By 1805 Green had moved south to New Jersey, ,where it was advertised that "James Morgan, Jacob Van Wickle and Branch Green have established a manufactory at South River Bridge under the firm name of James Morgan & Co." and were offering stoneware jugs, pots, and mugs for sale.

By 1809 Branch Green had moved to Philadelphia and had established his stoneware factory at "2d above Germantown road." He continued to operate the factory until 1827, when he sold the property to Henry Remmy, Jr., and Enoch Burnett for $3,000. Branch Green is not listed as a potter in the Philadelphia city directories after 1824; he may have left the city after his 1827 sale of the pottery. He appears again in Philadelphia from 1841 to 1844 as "dry goods" at various addresses, and between 1845 and 1847 with no occupation. He died intestate (without a will) in 1847"

Nevertheless, this jug sold for $1,500 plus the buyer's premium.

An Early Stoneware Jug Decorated With "Constitution"

Late 18th or Early 19th Century Stoneware Jug

Possibly Made by Branch Green in the Northeast

Stands 14" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Dixon's Crumpton Auction

A View of the Handle

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Dixon's Crumpton Auction

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

A Good 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug that Sold Yesterday at Briggs Auctions, Inc. in Pennsylvania

Someone appears to have gotten a very good deal yesterday with this large nineteenth century red earthenware jug that sold in a group lot at Briggs Auction, Inc. in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania. The jug was sold as part of a larger collection of objects that were consigned from the estate of antiques dealer and collector Gloria Weatherby; her estate was sold this month by the auction house over a few different online sales.

Interestingly, I was actually the under bidder on this jug, although I was not certain of the condition because I did not preview the sale and there was no condition report posted online. I was also not sure if this jug was marked or not, but it matches exactly in shape, glaze and size to a jug that I already own that was impressed by John Bell (1800-1880) in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, circa 1850-1880. The shape of the jug is also similar to stoneware jugs produced during the same period at the John Bell Pottery.

But I also thought about it afterwards, and I quickly realized that someone got a really good buy if the condition is right and the jug is marked. Either way, the lot sold very reasonably for $325 plus the buyer's premium.

Note: For more information about the John Bell Pottery in Waynesboro - see a cover story that I wrote for the December 7, 2018 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, The Bell Pottery Collection At The Renfrew Museum in Waynesboro, Pa: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2018/12/feature-story-published-in-antiques-and.html.

A Good 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Most Likely Made at the John Bell Pottery in Waynesboro, PA

Was this Jug Marked by Bell?

Circa 1850-1880

Stands 12" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Briggs Auction, Inc.

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

An Early 19th Century Stoneware Jug from South Amboy, New Jersey that Sold This Week at Cottone Auctions in New York

I may be wrong, although I thought I remembered seeing this one-gallon or so jug show up on Facebook at some point last year, nevertheless, this early nineteenth century stoneware jug sold earlier this week at Cottone Auctions in Geneseo, New York. The jug is stamped "Warne & Letts 1806 / S Amboy N Jersy," and it is adorned with a stamped decoration that is filled with cobalt. This type of decoration is also found with early stoneware made in New York City, such as another jug that I wrote about in September of 2023, but the connection between to the two areas does not seem to known.

According to the Monmouth County Historical Association in Freehold, New Jersey, "Thomas Warne was born on September 3, 1763 to Joshua and Meleny (Disbrow) Warne. Early research into the identification of Thomas Warne was hampered by the proliferation of the many Thomas and Joshua Warnes, all descending from Thomas Warne, who was born in Plymoth, England, and settled in America in 1683. 

Potter and stoneware maker Thomas Warne learned his trade at the pottery of Captain James Morgan in Cheesequake, New Jersey. Furthermore, on March 5, 1786, Warne married his employer's daughter Mary Morgan. The couple had at least two children, Meleny (born circa 1787/88) and James Morgan Warne (1791-1852). 

Thomas Warne's name first appears on the South Amboy Township tax ratables in 1797. Warne most likely purchased the pottery from his father-in-law, while his brother-in-law James Morgan began his own pottery with Nicholas Van Wickle. Warne's stoneware factory was located in the Cheesequake area of Middlesex County, in what today is included in Old Bridge Township but prior to 1869 was included in South Amboy Township. 

Warne's daughter Meleny married Joshua Letts of South Amboy Township on November 30, 1805, whereas Letts closely followed the path his father-in-law had traveled, learning the craft of stoneware pottery and marrying his employer's daughter. 

After 1805, the shop became known as the Warne & Letts pottery, with wares being stamped "WARNE & LETTS." Thomas Warne died before October 13, 1818. He died intestate (without a will) and his son James M. Warne was appointed administrator of his father's estate by the courts. After Warne's death, it is apparent that Joshua Letts continued to operate the pottery, with wares from this time period marked only "LETTS." In April of 1816, Joshua and Meleny Letts sold James Morgan ten and a half acres which included the pottery and kiln, and by 1819 Letts had either died or left the South Amboy area as he no longer appeared in the tax ratables lists."

Nonetheless, this jug sold for $5,250 plus the buyer's premium.

Note: For more information about Captain James Morgan - see a feature story I wrote for the January 31, 2020 issue of Antiques And The Arts Weekly, titled, Early Red Earthenware & Stoneware Found On Staten Island: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2020/01/early-red-earthenware-and-stoneware.html.

Early 19th Century Stoneware Jug from South Amboy, N.J.

Early 19th Century Stoneware Jug from South Amboy, N.J.

Stamped "Warne & Letts 1806 / S Amboy N Jersy"

Stands 10 1/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Cottone Auctions

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

A Selection of 20th Century American Southwest Pottery Found Yesterday in a Thrift Store in Massachusetts

Like the twentieth century North Carolina pottery that I have found all over the Northeast over the past few years, which I have both written about for print publication and posted about on this website, whereas those types of objects migrated north to New England through the tourist trade and in retail shops based in New York City and Cambridge, Massachusetts, although I am now trying to learn about pottery made in the American Southwest in the 1900s. It is more out of a curiosity factor than anything else, and I basically want to see what I can find for inexpensive prices. 

Interestingly, I pulled these three twentieth century examples out of a Salvation Army thrift store yesterday in Massachusetts for $18. Each object was made in the Southwest in the twentieth century and is signed on the base by the artist. 

I also suspect that these were purchased when someone in the area visited the American Southwest and bought three different types of pottery being sold there. However, I am not really sure how they ended up in a thrift store, whether a home was cleaned out or there was some other reason. Nonetheless, this now makes five pieces of this type of pottery that I have found in thrift stores in the Boston area over the last six weeks.

A Selection of 20th Century American Southwest Pottery

Selection of 20th Century American Southwest Pottery

Found Yesterday in a Thrift Store in Massachusetts

Each Piece is Signed on the Base by the Artist

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Pots

See Article for More Information

A View of the Bases

See Article for More Information

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

A Possible Rare Example of 19th Century Red Earthenware from the Carl Mehwaldt Pottery in Bergholz, New York

For any of you who follow (or even don't follow) Ron Korman and Muleskinner Antiques Monday emails from the location of the business at the Buffalo Airport in western New York - then you may have seen this glazed nineteenth century red earthenware jar or vase that was posted to yesterday's email. Interestingly, I believe this is possibly a rare example of nineteenth century red earthenware made at the Carl Mehwaldt (1808-1887) Pottery in Bergholz, Niagara County, New York, circa 1850-1880. 

In fact, the Das Haus Museum in Bergholz owns two very similar shaped jars or vases that were made at the Mehwaldt Pottery, whereas I have only seen a few of these types of objects through the years, which includes those owned by the museum and a third example that retains a strong history of private family ownership in Bergholz.

Furthermore, for more information - see a feature story that I wrote for the October 15, 2021 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, Carl Mehwaldt: A Pioneer German-American Potter And 19th-Century Immigrant - Redware From Western New York State: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2021/10/print-version-of-new-published-research.html.

Also, see another feature story that I wrote for the December 16, 2022 issue of Antiques And The Arts Weekly, titled, Unique Red Earthenware Rediscovered In Western New York: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2022/12/new-published-story-unique-red.html.

Note: There will also be multiple chapters devoted to Mehwaldt's production in my forthcoming Western New York book, due out sometime later this year.

Red Earthenware from the Carl Mehwaldt Pottery in Bergholz, New York

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar or Vase Made in Western New York

Possibly Made at the Carl Mehwaldt Pottery in Bergholz, New York

Probably Circa 1850-1880

Stands 6 1/2" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Muleskinner Antiques

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar or Vase with a Glazed Interior

Made at the Carl Mehwaldt Pottery in Bergholz, New York

Probably Circa 1850-1880

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Das Haus Museum

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

A Miniature 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug from the A.H. Hews Pottery in North Cambridge, Mass. that was Made for Chicago in 1880

The Speese Pottery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is known for a variety of novelty miniature unglazed red earthenware objects today that were produced in the late 1800s. These objects were made by Henry Speese or his son, Charles, from clay dug at the Gettysburg Battlefield, whereas these miniatures were described in the pottery's advertisements in the following manner: "made from material taken from the most historical portions of the field, they are themselves relics." 

Nevertheless, the A.H. Hews Pottery in North Cambridge, Massachusetts also made this type of commemorative miniature red earthenware during the same period, which I suspect, in some cases, can be misinterpreted for wares made at the Speese Pottery. For instance, this miniature jug just sold on eBay, however it was recently discovered in the Midwest; the front is stamped "Chicago 1880," while the base is stamped "From A.H. Hews & Co. No. Cambridge, Mass."

But I do not know why this object was created for Chicago in 1880, seeing that the World's Fair was held in Melbourne, Australia that year, and the fair did not arrive in Chicago until 1893. It may have just been a tourist piece, although I would like to learn otherwise should anyone reading this post know more about this object.

For more information about the A.H. Hews Pottery - see a feature story that I wrote for the March 17, 2023 issue of Antiques And The Arts Weekly, titled, The Abraham Hews Pottery Of Weston & North Cambridge, Mass: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2023/03/new-published-story-in-antiques-and.html.

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug from the A.H. Hews Pottery

Miniature 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Made at the A.H. Hews Pottery in North Cambridge, Mass.

The Front is Stamped "Chicago 1880"

The Base is Stamped "From A.H. Hews & Co. No. Cambridge, Mass."

Circa 1880

Stands 2" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: eBay

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

An Important Signed Red Earthenware Jar Made in the Mid-Atlantic Region in America in the Early 1790s

I recently posted an article about this late eighteenth century red earthenware jar to this website, and a friend revisited it this week in a private collection in New York City, whereas I was able to get the full history of this object in the Mid-Atlantic region in America, and how it directly relates to production in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada in the 1820s.

A potter named Jacob Bock (1789-1867) is known for these types of jars; Bock was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania in 1789, however he later migrated to Waterloo to eventually work as a potter (among other job titles), where he made some red earthenware tobacco jars there with lids surrounded with images of Saint Ambrose (ca. 340-397 AD) in the 1820s. There is a signed example of this type of production in the collection of the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, as well as a few others that are signed and privately owned. 

Nevertheless, the production of this jar is very similar to those produced in Ontario, but the inscription on the base suggests it was made in America. The inscription reads, "D.B.R. 1793," whereas the style of the inscription is also completely different than what Bock is known for with his inscribed objects in Ontario that survive today from the 1820s. In this case, the inscription was created with dots, where Bock's inscriptions in Ontario were created in the traditional way of writing script during the period.

Interestingly, though, the belief is that the inscription on this jar represents Daniel Reichard (1780-1859), who was born in West Hanover Township, Daupin County, Pennsylvania in 1780. Reichard is also documented as being a potter in Hagerstown, Maryland in the nineteenth century, although it is not known how he learned the potter's trade. 

It was published in Gene Comstock's book, The Pottery Of The Shenandoah Valley Region, that "It has not been established from whom Reichard learned his trade, although in his father's will 15 pence was deducted from Reichard's share of inheritance for "expense of his trade."

Furthermore, Reichard's older sister, Maria Catherine (Bock) Reichard (1769-1830) married Frederick D. Bock (1756-1832) from Lancaster County, and one of their kids was Jacob Bock, the Ontario potter, born in 1789. 

It is likely that Bock and Reichard worked together at some point in either Hanover Township or Lancaster County, seeing that Reichard moved back to Daupin County from Maryland in the early 1800s, when he married Catherine (Balsbaugh) Reichard (1785-1870). Although by 1805, Reichard had returned to Hagerstown. It was also in the early 1800s that Bock migrated to Ontario, where he lived the rest of his life. 

I also want to add that in 1813, John Snavely, Henry Adam, Peter Bell and Daniel Reichard formed an association to regulate the prices of Hagerstown red earthenware, showing that Reichard was very much involved with early production in Hagerstown, and indirectly, tying in Bock's career with this important production center.  

The style of jar is also reminiscent to pottery manufactured in Germany, and especially resembles stove tiles with religious figures that were made in the 1600s (and other centuries too), whereas I have posted an example of this below. German stoves tiles may have been in fact the inspiration that was used to create the St. Ambrose figures on these jars.

Additionally, this information and more will be included in a forthcoming feature story that will be published about this type of St. Ambrose production, although I wanted to post this information here because I think this is an important jar. But I also now consider the fact that there are some unsigned jars known like this today, and it is probably debatable whether they perhaps originated in the Mid-Atlantic region with Reichard or in Ontario with Bock, especially any examples that retain lengthy histories of ownership in America.

Note: It is also important to consider that this jar was previously owned decades ago by Annville, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania antiques dealer Chris Machmer, where he had previously found it in Pennsylvania.

 

Red Earthenware Jar Made in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Late 18th Century Red Earthenware Jar Thought to have Been Made Made by Daniel Reichard in the Mid-Atlantic Region

The Lid is Thought to be Original

Adorned with Figures of Saint Ambrose (ca. 340-397 AD)

Very Similar to Jars Made by Jacob Bock in Ontario in the 1820s

The Base is Inscribed with Dots “D.B.R. 1793”

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Collection

One of the Existing Unsigned Jars that was Found in New England

The Lid is Original

Compared to 17th Century German Red Earthenware Stove Tiles with Religious Figures

The Idea Behind the Figures is Similar

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

A Good Example of Early Sgraffito Decorated Red Earthenware that Sold Yesterday at Pook & Pook in Pennsylvania

A good example of late eighteenth or nineteenth century sgraffito decorated red earthenware most likely from southeastern Pennsylvania sold yesterday at Pook & Pook Inc. in Downington, Pennsylvania. In fact, this dish might be related to a group of somewhat similar decorated plates adorned with similar color patters that are not identified to a specific maker outside of having been produced in southeastern Pennsylvania, which are owned today by the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and Winterthur Museum in Delaware.

Dating back more than a century, sgraffito decorated red earthenware has always been prized among collectors, dealers and museums, and this is why the three mentioned museums own some of the best public collections in America today. It began with Edwin Atlee Barber (1851-1916) in Philadelphia, followed by Robert (1848-1931) and Emily (1851-1942) Weeks DeForest at the MET, and then Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969) at Wintethur Museum.

Furthermore, even though I cannot pinpoint the potter who made this plate, it is still a very good example; the decoration is accomplished and the colors are great! Nonetheless, it sold for $3,500 plus the buyers premium: https://live.pookandpook.com/online-auctions/pook/southeastern-pennsylvania-sgraffito-charger-5659378.

Note: Pennsylvania potter Wesley Muckey of Nolde Forest Pottery also commented saying that he thought this plate may have previously been owned by Pennsylvania-German potter Lester Breininger (1935-2011).

Good Example of Early Sgraffito Decorated Red Earthenware

Late 18th or 19th Century Sgraffito Decorated Red Earthenware Dish

Most Likely Made in Southeastern Pennsylvania

Probably Circa 1810-1830

Measures 13 3/4" in Diameter

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Pook & Pook

Another View of the Dish

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Photo Courtesy: Pook & Pook

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

A 19th Century Cobalt and Incised Script Decorated Stoneware Pitcher that Sold Yesterday at Laughlin Auctions in Virginia

A very good selection of nineteenth century stoneware and red earthenware sold yesterday as part of Laughlin Auctions Annual Mid Winter Auction in Edinburg, Virginia. The majority of the objects originated in Virginia, although there was pottery included in the sale that was made elsewhere in America, such as a red earthenware dish possibly made in Hagerstown, Maryland, as well as some objects from Pennsylvania, including an unmarked red earthenware mug and a (a marked?) red earthenware flowerpot possibly made at the John Bell Pottery in Waynesboro (otherwise another Shenandoah Valley potter), along with some pottery from New England.

For me personally, the highlight of the sale was this nineteenth century cobalt decorated stoneware pitcher from Rockingham County, Virginia that is inscribed with script, which reads, "Zigler & Coffman / Thompsonville." The script is likely a reference to present-day Timberville, Virginia. Furthermore, the auction house described this object as having been "previously undiscovered."

Nevertheless, the pitcher was purchased by Jeffrey and Beverly Evans in Virginia for $35,000 plus the buyer's premium.

According to Jeff Evans, "I documented the Zigler Pottery in Timberville back in 1988 when we discovered the Pottery daybooks in the Otto Zigler estate. I was able to identify Andrew Coffman as the first potter there in 1828. My further research identified a number of other potters working there over a 50-year period."

For the rest of the pottery in the sale- here is a link to the auction catalog: https://laughlinauctions.hibid.com/catalog/507844/laughlin-auctions-annual-mid-winter-sale---347.

Cobalt and Incised Script Decorated Stoneware Pitcher

19th Century Cobalt and Script Decorated Stoneware Pitcher From Virginia

The Incised Script Reads "Zigler & Coffman / Thompsonville"

The script is likely a reference to present-day Timberville, Virginia

Circa 1825-1850

Stands 14 1/2" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Laughlin Auctions

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

An Early 20th Century Souvenir Stoneware Beanpot Found in a Thrift Store in Haverhill, Mass.

This was a fun thrift store find yesterday for $1 in Haverhill, Massachusetts! This miniature stoneware beanpot possibly (most likely) originated at the Moses Paige Pottery in Peabody, Massachusetts in the early 1900s, whereas it is inscribed in gold paint, "Souvenir Amesbury, Mass." 

However, the stoneware that was sold by the Paige Pottery actually came from the C.C. Thompson Pottery Company in East Liverpool, Ohio; the two companies did business together, and found in the collection of the Peabody Historical Society are some catalogs from the C.C. Thompson Pottery Company that the museum acquired directly from the Paige Pottery. 

Furthermore, the script on this pot also closely resembles other scripts found on some red earthenware miniature beanpots that were produced in Peabody and at the Charles A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Massachusetts.

For more information, see my second book, titled, The Moses B. Paige Company: The Last of the Peabody Potteries: https://historicbeverly.net/product/the-moses-b-paige-company-the-last-of-the-peabody-potteries/.

Early 20th Century Souvenir Stoneware Beanpot

Early 20th Century Miniature Souvenir Stoneware Beanpot

Inscribed on the Front in Gold Paint "Souvenir Amesbury, Mass."

Possibly From the Moses Paige Pottery in Peabody, Mass.

Paige Acquired His Stoneware from the C.C. Thompson Pottery Co. in Ohio

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Beanpot

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Another View of the Beanpot

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A View of the Handle

See Article for More Information

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

A Recently Discovered Rare Company Envelope From the Goodwin Brothers Pottery in West Hartford, Connecticut that is Dated "October 12, 1883"

The Goodwin name is synonymous today with stoneware and red earthenware production in Hartford, Connecticut, as early as the 1790s. However, it was likely in the latter years of the family's production in the 1800s when the greatest and most diverse amount of wares were produced, and especially when the company was known as the Goodwin Brothers Pottery in the Elmwood section of West Hartford after 1870.

However, some of this company's production can be overlooked today, such as this nineteenth century Goodwin Brothers company envelope that was recently discovered in Connecticut, which cites the company as being "manufacturers of artistic pottery." The envelope is dated "October 12, 1883," and is addressed to Lansingburg, New York.

Interestingly, these company envelopes from the Goodwin Brothers are known today to illustrate a variety of wares, including the painted red earthenware vase that is shown on this example; furthermore, I have also posted what I believe is a related vase that I found about five years ago in a small shop located just a few miles north of Hartford.

For more information, see my fifth book, titled, A City on the River: The Early Red Earthenware of the Hartford, Connecticut Area: https://historicbeverly.net/product/a-city-on-the-river-the-early-red-earthenware-of-the-hartford-connecticut-area/.

Note: Here is also a link to a story that I posted in February of 2023 that shows a related envelope, although it illustrates an oil lamp with a painted red earthenware base, whereas I also included a picture of a matching existing lamp in that story: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2023/02/a-19th-century-oil-lamp-with-red.html.

Envelope From the Goodwin Brothers Pottery in West Hartford, CT

19th Century Envelope From the Goodwin Brothers Pottery in West Hartford, CT

A Painted Red Earthenware Vase is Illustrated

Addressed to Lansingburg, New York.

Dated October 12, 1883

Recently Discovered in Connecticut

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Collection

A View of the Back of the Envelope

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Collection

19th Century Painted Red Earthenware Vase

Attributed to the Goodwin Brothers Pottery in West Hartford, CT

Found a Few Years Ago Just to the North of Hartford

Very Similar to the Vase Illustrated on the Envelope

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Vase

See Article for More Information

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