A 19th Century Slip-Script Decorated Red Earthenware Dish that Sold Today at Keystone Auctions in Pennsylvania

A very interesting nineteenth century slip-script red earthenware dish sold earlier today at Keystone Auction in York, Pennsylvania, whereas the script in the center of the dish reads, "Canton," which I suspect could represent Canton, Connecticut. The dish sold in a group lot combined with three pieces of nineteenth century European ceramics. Although, even though there were condition concerns, I thought the possible historical significance of the dish potentially to some degree outweighed those concerns. 

The manner of the slip along the border of the dish combined with the fact that the object appears to have been hand-thrown, as opposed to drape molded, suggested to me that it may have been made by Hervey Books (1779-1873) in Goshen, Connecticut; Canton is located about twenty miles west of Goshen. 

According to the Connecticut Historical Society, "Hervey Brooks was an American potter and farmer who made red earthenware in Goshen for more than one half century. His production provided domestic wares for an isolated countryside and contributed to an informal system of sales, barter and trade that characterized the rural economy of the period. While few records of this trade exist, Brooks left behind extensive documentation of his business transactions and daily responsibilities that provide historians a unique look at the life of a nineteenth century farmer-potter.

The life of a farmer-potter meant that Brooks did not have the luxury of spending all his time perfecting his craft. In fact, from 1828 until 1864 Brooks only fired his kiln one day per year because life on the farm also involved sawing lumber, blacksmithing, carpentry, and a host of other responsibilities that kept him from his pottery.

When Brooks passed away in 1873, he left behind account books and day books. He also left a largely intact manufacturing facility that provided archaeologists with new insight into the tools, materials and processes that went into his production of red earthenware."

Nonetheless, the lot sold for $50 plus the buyer's premium; Does anyone reading this post recognize this dish as being from another manufacturer?

For more information about Hervey Brooks - see my sixth 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/.

A 19th Century Slip-Script Decorated Red Earthenware Dish

19th Century Slip-Script Decorated Red Earthenware Dish

The Script Reads "Canton"

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Photo Courtesy: Keystone Auctions 

The Back of the Dish Appears to be Hand-Thrown

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Photo Courtesy: Keystone Auctions 

This is the Rest of the Pottery that Sold in the Group Lot

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Photo Courtesy: Keystone Auctions 

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