A Very Good Late 18th or Early 19th Century Marbled Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Platter from the American Northeast

This is a very good late eighteenth or early nineteenth century two-color marbled slip decorated red earthenware platter that I just acquired! It was previously owned for many years in the Mid-Atlantic region. The size is really special, where most of these types of platters are larger in size. This platter also survives in excellent basically as-made condition! I’m thrilled with it! 

Interestingly, I spoke with some longtime dealers, who have handled a number of these types of platters through the years, and they have all said that they have only seen a small group of them in this size, one of which is currently owned in a major New York City antiques collection. Among the people who have owned this particular platter through the years is John Gordon of New York City.

Additionally, this is a type of production that will also be discussed in the two-volume Western New York book that I am currently working on, set up for publication in 2025, whereas variations of this style of marbled plates and platters have been recovered from the site of the circa 1818-1831 Nathaniel Rochester (1752-1831) Pottery in West Bloomfield, New York. One technique from this site was published by the Rochester Museum & Science Center in New York in the 1970s, although after studying this archaeology for the two-volume book, I found there were numerous styles produced at the Rochester Pottery.

Although, this type of marbled design was manufactured at multiple locations in the American Northeast, including archaeological evidence recovered from various contexts on Long Island, suggesting it was an early style made at the Huntington Pottery in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, as well as perhaps at the John Betts Gregory (1782-1842) Pottery in Clinton, New York and at the industry in Norwalk, Connecticut.  

One source of inspiration for the style of the colors found on this particular platter may have been English production from the 1700s, some of which has been recovered from colonial archaeological contexts in Philadelphia. For more information - see a story that I posted to this website earlier this year, titled, A Very Interesting Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Dish that was Previously Owned by John Gordon of New York City: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2024/11/english-slipware.html.

Late 18th or Early 19th C. Marbled Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Platter

Late 18th or Early 19th Century Marbled Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Platter 

Made in the American Northeast

Circa 1780-1830

Measures 10 7/8" in Diameter

Previously Owned by John Gordon in New York City

See Article for More Information

This Platter Survives in Excellent Basically As-Made Condition

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Another View of the Platter

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Another View of the Platter

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A View of the Back

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

A Good Example of Thomas Commeraw's Stoneware Production from New York City Sells in Pennsylvania

This early nineteenth century stoneware jar made by the free black potter Thomas Commeraw (ca. 1771-1823) in the Corlear's Hook neighborhood of Manhattan sold last weekend at Timeless Treasure Auctions LLC in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. It seems to be a rarer form to find from Commeraw's production today, whereas there are related objects published in Brandt's Zipp's book, Thomas Commeraw: The Life and Work of the First African-American Pottery Owner: https://www.commeraw.com/about-me/. There are also related jars that were painted in the twentieth century as part of the Index of American Design for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

The jar is impressed "COMMERAWS / STONEWARE / N. YORK," which was the second mark he used in the early 1800s; the first mark used was "N YORK / COLEARS / HOOK."

Nonetheless, the jar sold for $2,100 plus the buyer's premium.

Thomas Commeraw's Stoneware Production from New York City

Early 19th Century Stoneware Jar Made in New York City

Made by Thomas Commeraw in Manhattan

Impressed "COMMERAWS / STONEWARE / N. YORK"

See Above for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Timeless Treasure Auctions LLC

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

The Betz Family of Migrant German Red Earthenware Potters in Buffalo, Erie County, New York and Some Other Information About Potters in the Buffalo Area

Nineteenth century red earthenware production in Erie County, New York will be a big part of Volume II, as part of my forthcoming two-volume ninth book, titled, America's Great Awakening and Migration: The Red Earthenware of Western New York, which will be published sometime in 2025. However, a subject that I do not think is widely recognized today is the amount of migrant German potters who appear in the western part of Western New York in the 1800s, especially in Erie County and the Buffalo, New York area, many of whom are only documented today in surviving period records, whereas these potters certainly made red earthenware, but there is not a lot of physical evidence or archaeology that can demonstrate how these wares appeared. 

For instance, there is some evidence that will be included in the book that shows three styles of nineteenth century slip decorated red earthenware made by the same potter likely of German descent, which are kept in the collection of the Rochester Museum & Science Center; these objects appear like they could be misinterpreted for production from Pennsylvania, although they are from the collection of New York archaeologist and museum specialist George Hamell and are strongly associated with production in Western New York. These objects have not previously been published or cited in publication.

Among those red earthenware potters who are recognized in records in the Buffalo area is John Schwartz, who was born in Germany and is documented as having worked as a red earthenware potter in Lancaster, Erie County in the 1850s. Schwartz is found in the 1865 United States Federal Census in Lancaster with a profession of "Pot Maker." 

Interestingly, there is a Sherman Remington (1810-1880), who in previous publications is described as an employee of the Lancaster, New York Glass Factory, although he worked during the same period as Schwartz, both appearing as potters in the area about 1851. In fact, an 1866 map of Lancaster describes "S. Remmington" as being a "Pot Maker."

Production in Lancaster, Erie County, New York

John Schwartz Listed as a "Pot Maker" in Lancaster, Erie County, New York

This is from the 1865 United States Federal Census

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Photo Courtesy: Private Collection

Part of a Map of Lancaster, New York Published in 1866

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Photo Courtesy: Private Collection

"S. Remmington" is Listed as a "Pot Maker" on the Map

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Photo Courtesy: Private Collection

Nonetheless, this is an excerpt from my forthcoming book about the Betz family of potters in Buffalo: "There were clearly a number of potters of German descent working in Buffalo, Erie County, New York, perhaps most notably the Betz family, who ran a multigenerational red earthenware business, as early as 1850 or a few years prior. However, there has also been inaccurate information previously published about this family.

John Heinrich Henry Betz Sr. (1786-1873) was a German trained potter who migrated from Germany to Western New York sometime before 1850. He and his son, Heinrich "Henry" Betz Jr. (1824-1876) established a red earthenware business in the Buffalo area about 1850, producing all types of household pottery. The father and son operation continued into the 1860s, when the father stepped away from the pottery business, leaving Henry Betz Jr. in ownership of the family enterprise. Henry Jr. ran the company until sometime around the time of his death in 1876, which is when his son George Betz (1852-1893) and possibly other children took control of the company, although previous to Betz Jr's death, the pottery was known as, Betz & Sons.

Furthermore, Henry Jr.'s obituary reads, "Born in Feilbingert, Rheinpfalz, he was a potter. He emigrated with his parents, adult siblings and wife-to-be Catherina Dern Betz (1824-1898) sometime between 1835 and 1845. He and his father established an earthenware business at 824 Genesee. He was elected supervisor of Ward 7 several times. At the age of 51, he suffered a head injury from a fall resulting in delirium and 2 weeks later, suicide."

After 1876 the company became known as Betz & Brothers, where it was operated by Henry Jr.'s sons Henry Betz III (1849-1911), George Betz and Ferdinand Betz (1856-1922); there may have been some other family members also involved, although red earthenware production seems have continued into the late 1890s and possibly the early 1900s.

Additionally, there were a number of German migrant potters who briefly appeared in census records in Buffalo, and some of these potters may have found some employment working for the Betz family. This may have also been a similar operation as the Wingenders in Haddonfield, New Jersey and the Bachs in Allentown, Pennsylvania, both of which were multigenerational family enterprises that began with potters migrating from Germany. This was also the hope of Carl Mehwaldt, who ran a red earthenware business for decades in the Village of Bergholz, located to the north of Buffalo near the Niagara River in Niagara County; Mehwaldt was also a migrant German potter who established his red earthenware business about the same time as Heinrich Betz Sr., however his sons could not continue the family business, seeing that they died in battles in Virginia during the American Civil War.

Nevertheless, the only examples of pottery that I know of that I suspect may have been made by the Betz family is a group of nineteenth century black glazed red earthenware plates found together decades ago in a house in the Buffalo area by Ron Korman of Muleskinner Antiques, now in the personal collection of Western New York historian and collector Vince Martonis. But there must be much more of this family's production in existence, although more evidence or archaeology is needed to prove this production. I suspect that much of the production after 1870 or 1880, focused towards, garden wares and flowerpots, but the wares made before this period were likely more typical of early household utilitarian wares."

The Betz Family of Potters in Buffalo, Erie County, New York

Betz Family Members Listed in the 1865 and 1880 Federal Censuses in Buffalo, New York

See Article for More Information

Pages 300-310

This Will be Included in Volume II of Forthcoming Western New York Book

See Article for More Information

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

Two Painted 19th Century Red Earthenware or Terracotta Plates that Sold Yesterday in New Jersey

It may not be the most recognized type of late nineteenth century red earthenware or terracotta made in America, although a painted plate sold yesterday at Dennis Auction Service in Stewartsville, New Jersey, which was marked on the back "GALLOWAY & GRAFF CO. PHILADELPHIA." The plate sold with a second painted plate, however, it was probably from another company, seeing that it was unmarked and the back was manufactured in a different style. 

Interestingly, some of these plates (I don't want to say all of them because I don't know for sure) were cold painted after they had been fired in the kiln at the factory, some of which I suspect were created by women artists in the 1870s and 1880s. This is also a type of production that I suspect was inspired after similar objects made in Europe in the 1800s. Nonetheless, these plates sold for $70 plus the buyer's premium.

For more information - see a feature story that I wrote for the February 23, 2024 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, A Study Of 19th-Century Painted Terracotta Wall Plates Marked "Coulter & Long, Philadelphia": http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2024/02/new-published-feature-story-in-antiques.html.

Two Painted 19th Century Red Earthenware or Terracotta Plates

Two Painted 19th Century Red Earthenware or Terracotta Plates

One is Marked "GALLOWAY & GRAFF CO. PHILADELPHIA"

See Above for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Dennis Auction Service

Another View of the Plates

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Photo Courtesy: Dennis Auction Service

One Plate is Marked "GALLOWAY & GRAFF CO. PHILADELPHIA"

See Above for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Dennis Auction Service

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

A Five-Gallon 19th Century Crock from the J.&E. Norton Pottery in Bennington, Vermont Decorated in Cobalt with Two Deer and the Face of a Clock

I posted a story to this website a few months ago about a very good four-gallon mid-nineteenth century cobalt decorated stoneware crock made at the Julius (1809-1861) and Edward Norton (1815-1885) Pottery in Bennington, Vermont, circa 1850-1859. The crock was decorated with a bird and a floral scene created by James Reiley, who is likely better known today for the wares he decorated in New York, although this is a significant object that demonstrates Reiley's employment in Bennington in the 1850s; it was also stamped "J.&E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT." This crock is now heading to Adam Weitsman's Collection at the New York State Museum in Albany, New York: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2024/10/an-outstanding-folk-art-crock-depicting.html.

Unbeknownst to me, or at least something I do not remember seeing before is another object made at the Julius and Edward Norton Pottery in Bennington; I was recently shown this card by longtime stoneware collector and dealer Richard Hume Sr. The card is from Dominick Cervone, a stoneware collector at the time, although he is probably better known today for American Indian and Ethnographic Art. 

The card shows a five-gallon nineteenth century stoneware crock that is adorned with an elaborate scene in cobalt, depicting two deer and the face of a clock, which reads, "2:55." The crock is stamped "J.&E. NORTON / BENNINGTON, VT," whereas it is unclear to me if there is a hidden meaning, but the first mass-produced clocks in America were made in the 1850s; there is also some speculation that the time may have something to do with the railroad in Bennington.

Nonetheless, this crock is privately owned today and was found decades ago in a basement in Vermont.

Five-Gallon 19th C. Crock from the J.&E. Norton Pottery in Bennington, VT

This Card Shows a Five-Gallon Crock Made in Bennington, Vermont in the 1850s

Decorated in Cobalt with Two Deer and the Face of a Clock

See Above for More Information

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

Happy Holidays!

Happy holdidays! My eighth 709-page book about various areas of red earthenware production in New Hampshire will be available in January 2025; I also just finished up my ninth book today, which will be two-volumes and about 1,200-pages, whereas it covers red earthenware production in Western New York, as well as other areas of New York, including Long Island and New York City. This book will be published sometime later in 2025.

In the meantime, thank you to everyone who reads this blog! I will post more in 2025!

This Jar is Illustrated in the New Hampshire Book!

See Above for More Information

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

19th Century Ancient Style Painted Red Earthenware Vase from Beverly, Mass. Recently Found in Maine

A very rare marked circa 1870s painted red earthenware vase decorated in an ancient style sold earlier this week on eBay, which was made at the Charles A. Lawrence (1829-1904) Pottery in Beverly, Massachusetts. This is a subject that I have researched and written extensively about over the last decade, where there is a related example displayed in the Americana Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/4584.

The base of this vase, as well as the museum's is marked with a stamp in ink, reading, "BEVERLY POTTERY / C.A. LAWRENCE / ANTIQUARIAN / CERAMICS / BEVERLY, MASS." This company also advertised itself during this period as the first company in America to produce art pottery, which is a factual statement, based on today's research.

Lawrence was the son of a Portuguese immigrant, training at the industry in South Danvers (Peabody), Massachusetts; he established his company in Beverly in the 1860s, producing a wide variety of colorful glazed and slip decorated red earthenware. The company expanded their line of production in the early 1870s to include decorative art pottery and other novelty objects.

This particular example was recently found in Maine, and the seller showed the vase to Historic Beverly in Massachusetts to learn more information about its history before it was sold. Nonetheless, the vase sold for $750 plus any eBay fees and shipping: https://www.ebay.com/itm/405407624662.

For more information - see the first installment in my pottery book series, titled, The Beverly Pottery: The Wares of Charles A. Lawrence: https://historicbeverly.net/product/the-beverly-pottery-the-wares-of-charles-a-lawrence/.

Ancient Style Painted Red Earthenware Vase from Beverly, Mass.

19th Century Painted Ancient Style Red Earthenware Vase

Made at the C.A. Lawrence Pottery in Beverly, Mass.

The Base is Marked with an Ink Stamp from the Company

Recently Found in Maine

Circa 1870s

Stands 6" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: eBay

A View of the Glazed Interior

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Photo Courtesy: eBay

A View of the Base

The Base is Stamped in Ink "BEVERLY POTTERY / C.A. LAWRENCE / ANTIQUARIAN / CERAMICS / BEVERLY, MASS"

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: eBay

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

A Slip Decorated Flowerpot Made at the Hyssong Pottery in Cassville, Pennsylvania

My latest feature story was recently published on pages 7, 8 and 10 in the December 6, 2024 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, A Century Of Red Earthenware And Stoneware Production In Huntingdon County, Pa., Ca. 1811-1912: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2024/12/new-published-feature-story-in-antiques.html.

Link to a PDF of Page 7: https://www.scribd.com/document/800679160/ant-007-120624-Huntingdon-1

Link to a PDF of Page 8: https://www.scribd.com/document/800679831/ant-008-120624-Huntingdon-2

Link to a PDF of Page 10: https://www.scribd.com/document/800680269/ant-010-120624-Huntingdon-3

Nevertheless, as part of that article, red earthenware and stoneware production from the Hyssong Pottery in Cassville, Pennsylvania was discussed, whereas I recently learned about this slip decorated red earthenware or terracotta flowerpot that was made at the Hyssong Pottery. The flowerpot is owned today by the Historical Society of Washington County, Maryland: https://washcohistory.pastperfectonline.com/webobject/EE9DAB1D-294F-4600-BC5C-331921346814.

Slip Decorated Flowerpot Made at the Hyssong Pottery in Cassville, Pennsylvania

Slip Decorated Red Earthenware or Terracotta Flowerpot

Made at the Hyssong Pottery in Cassville, Pennsylvania

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Historical Society of Washington County, Maryland

Additional Views of the Flowerpot

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Photo Courtesy: Historical Society of Washington County, Maryland

Some Additional Flowerpots Made at the Hyssong Pottery in Cassville, Pennsylvania

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Photo Courtesy: Randy Bohn

Some Additional Flowerpots Made at the Hyssong Pottery in Cassville, Pennsylvania

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Photo Courtesy: Randy Bohn

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

An Update on Forthcoming Two-Volume Western New York Book Scheduled to be Published in 2025

I wanted to share some information about my forthcoming two-volume Western New York book titled America's Great Awakening and Migration: The Red Earthenware of Western New York, which will be published sometime in 2025; the completion of this book is drawing near - the book contain a total 37 chapters with tons of never before published information, historical records, archaeology, privately owned pieces, as well as museum owned objects. There will also be a lot of new information presented in these two volumes about the history of specific potters that has been largely forgotten over the past 100 years; a lot of new information!

Additionally, the book will also cover red earthenware production throughout New York State, New York City and Long Island, including lots of great archaeology. Some Western New York stoneware production will also be discussed, as well as sewer tile production, twentieth century production, etc.

Nevertheless, this is how the format of each volume will appear (or how they currently appear) --

Volume I: 659 pages, Chapters 1-17

Volume II: 671 pages, Chapters 18-37

Among the outstanding objects that will be included in the book is this nineteenth century red earthenware presentation jug from Western New York, which was recently just discovered in the collection of the LeRoy, New York Historical Society; the jug has not previously been published and was acquired by the museum in the 1940s.

With all of this said - I am in search of any pictures of glazed, painted or undecorated red earthenware flowerpots found in Western New York that are thought to have been made locally somewhere in this region, where the manufacturer is not known. Feel free to contact me should anyone reading this post know of any existing objects that fit this description.

Update on Forthcoming Two-Volume Western New York Book

19h Century Presentation Red Earthenware Jug

Manufactured in Western New York

Recently Rediscovered in the Collection of the LeRoy Historical Society

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: LeRoy, New York Historical Society

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

Some Information About Forthcoming New Hampshire Book Available January 2025

One final update on my forthcoming New Hampshire book, titled, An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses; I finished editing the proof copy yesterday, where the book runs 709-pages and is 13 chapters in length. 

The book covers red earthenware production throughout New Hampshire, including Hillsborough County, Cheshire County, Grafton County, Belknap County, the Lake Winnipesaukee area, North Conway, New Hampshire, the Portsmouth, New Hampshire area, parts of Vermont, some production in Essex County, Massachusetts, pre-1775 production in Charlestown, Masssachusetts, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, some production from Bristol County, Massachusetts and some information about Hartford, Connecticut, as well as a lot more!

For those who want to purchase the book - I will post information on this website and my social media accounts as soon as it is available from my publisher Historic Beverly in Massachusetts, along with retailers and bookstores all over. 

Nonetheless, this nineteenth century red earthenware jar is a very good example of the type of wares discussed in a chapter in the book about some production in Cheshire and Grafton Counties. The jar was most likely made in Cheshire County, where there was a production center that was part of Marlborough and Dublin, New Hampshire, known as Chesham Village, although there was more production in this county that had this type of look to it than just this one location. 

In the meantime - if you would like to purchase any of the other books in my ongoing pottery book series - here are links to each of the titles --

1) The Beverly Pottery: The Wares of Charles A. Lawrence: https://historicbeverly.net/product/the-beverly-pottery-the-wares-of-charles-a-lawrence/

2) 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/

3) The Dawn of Independence, the Death of An Industry: The Pottery of Charlestown, Massachusetts: https://historicbeverly.net/product/the-dawn-of-independence-the-death-of-an-industry/

4) South Amesbury’s Red Earthenware & Stoneware Production: The 1791-1820 William Pecker Pottery: https://historicbeverly.net/product/south-amesburys-red-earthenware-stoneware-production/

5) A Celebrated Industry: The Historic Wares of Southeastern Massachusetts, Bristol County and Cape Cod: https://historicbeverly.net/product/a-celebrated-industry-the-historic-wares-of-southeastern-massachusetts-bristol-county-and-cape-cod/

6) 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/

7) From One Town Came Many: The Red Earthenware Industry of Ancient North Yarmouth Maine: https://historicbeverly.net/product/94597/

Note: And for anyone wondering what comes after this New Hampshire book - I am currently putting the finishing touches on my ninth book, a 1,200-page two-volume series about production in Western New York (which also covers red earthenware production throughout New York State, New York City and Long Island), titled, America's Great Awakening and Migration: The Red Earthenware of Western New York: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2024/11/an-update-on-forthcoming-western-new.html.

Forthcoming New Hampshire Book Available January 2025

An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses

Available to Purchase January 2025

See Article for More Information

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar from Cheshire County, New Hampshire

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Jar

See Article for More Information

Another View of the Jar

See Article for More Information

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

Proof Copy of Forthcoming New Hampshire Book is Back from the Printer!

For those of you anticipating my next book, the proof copy came back yesterday from the printer for my forthcoming 709-page, eighth book, titled, An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses. This book will be available next month (January 2025) from my publisher Historic Beverly in Beverly, Massachusetts, as well as retailers and bookstores all over!

The back cover of the book, reads in part, "New Hampshire’s red earthenware industry in the eighteenth century was largely contained to wares imported to the southern part of the state and along the seacoast by potters in Massachusetts, especially those from the pre-1775 industry in Charlestown, Massachusetts. But there was also some local colonial production, such as Samuel Marshall, who operated a red earthenware business in Portsmouth before 1750. There may have also been some obscure potters who are in many ways forgotten today, and others who are only remembered based on one or two objects that survive, including some production in the Concord area that happened as early as 1765. But it was in 1775 when Peter Clark left Braintree, Massachusetts for Lyndeborough, New Hampshire that a transformation happened with the state’s red earthenware industry. Clark and his family helped ignite production in the state for over 100 years that spread through Concord, up towards Lake Winnipesaukee, the White Mountains and into Vermont. This book is the first of its kind to take an in-depth look at the red earthenware made by the Clarks in New Hampshire through archaeology, a historical context, an aesthetic appeal and how this family was instrumental with red earthenware production in New Hampshire and Vermont, circa 1775-1880s."

In the meantime - if you would like to purchase any of the other books in my ongoing pottery book series - here are links to each of the titles --

1) The Beverly Pottery: The Wares of Charles A. Lawrence: https://historicbeverly.net/product/the-beverly-pottery-the-wares-of-charles-a-lawrence/

2) 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/

3) The Dawn of Independence, the Death of An Industry: The Pottery of Charlestown, Massachusetts: https://historicbeverly.net/product/the-dawn-of-independence-the-death-of-an-industry/

4) South Amesbury’s Red Earthenware & Stoneware Production: The 1791-1820 William Pecker Pottery: https://historicbeverly.net/product/south-amesburys-red-earthenware-stoneware-production/

5) A Celebrated Industry: The Historic Wares of Southeastern Massachusetts, Bristol County and Cape Cod: https://historicbeverly.net/product/a-celebrated-industry-the-historic-wares-of-southeastern-massachusetts-bristol-county-and-cape-cod/

6) 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/

7) From One Town Came Many: The Red Earthenware Industry of Ancient North Yarmouth Maine: https://historicbeverly.net/product/94597/

Note: And for anyone wondering what comes after this New Hampshire book - I am currently putting the finishing touches on my ninth book, a 1,200-page two-volume series about production in Western New York (which also covers red earthenware production throughout New York State, New York City and Long Island), titled, America's Great Awakening and Migration: The Red Earthenware of Western New York: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2024/11/an-update-on-forthcoming-western-new.html.

Proof Copy of Forthcoming New Hampshire Book is Back from the Printer!

Available January 2025

An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses

See Above for More Information

Available January 2025

An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses

See Above for More Information

Available January 2025

An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses

See Above for More Information

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

A Diary Kept by Captain Peter Clark in New Hampshire

This is some more information that will be included in my forthcoming 700-page New Hampshire book, titled, An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businessss, whereas the foundation of the book is Captain Peter Clark (1743-1826), who was a South Danvers (Peabody), Massachusetts trained potter, who owned and operated a red earthenware business in Braintree, Massachusetts in the 1760s and 1770s. For reference, Braintree is located a short distance to the south of Boston.

Clark moved his family to Lyndeborough, New Hampshire in early 1775, although he fought in the American Revolution, eventually establishing his first pottery in Lyndeborough, sometime after he arrived in New Hampshire. Clark also served a number of roles while living in Lyndebrough outside of being just a potter, however he later established a second business in nearby Francestown, New Hampshire. 

Furthermore, Clark had at least four sons who entered the potters trade, Peter II (1764-1851), Daniel (1768-1828), William (1768-1855) and Benjamin (1770-1844), some of whom also established their own companies in Lyndeborough, Concord and Orford, New Hampshire, as well as Brownington, Vermont. Benjamin was also back living in Braintree around 1800, seeing this is where his son, Jonathan Clark (1800-1879) was born, who would also become a potter in Orford. However, it is unclear why Benjamin was in Braintree, but he may have been there in an attempt to revive his father's old business.

Nonetheless, the family was influential with red earthenware production in Hartford, Connecticut, Norfolk County, Massachusetts, Essex County, southern New Hampshire, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, Grafton County, New Hampshire, the Concord area, the Lake Winnipesaukee area, North Conway, New Hampshire and in parts of Vermont.

Additionally, both Peter Clark and his son Daniel Clark kept diaries; posted below is some of the information that Peter Clark wrote during the 1775-1801 period.

A Diary Kept by Captain Peter Clark in New Hampshire

Some Information Found in a Diary Kept by Captain Peter Clark in New Hampshire

See Article for More Information

18th or Early 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Attributed to Peter Clark in New Hampshire

Courtesy: New Hampshire Historical Society

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A Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Plate that Sold Two Nights Ago in Manheim, Pennsylvania

This eighteenth or early nineteenth century slip decorated red earthenware plate that was probably made in southeastern Pennsylvania sold two nights ago in an online only sale at John M. Hess Auction Service in Manheim, Pennsylvania: https://hibid.com/lot/223657930/three-pieces-of-glazed-redware-?ref=lot-list.

The plate was described to me as being a period object with some restoration, although this type of slip decoration has been found on plates recovered from various contexts in Philadelphia dating from the circa 1730s-1780s period. However, I cannot say for sure if this plate dates from that eighteenth century period or a little later, but the use of the green glaze on this object certainly adds a strong aesthetic appeal. The group lot sold very reasonably for just $105 plus the buyer's premium.

For rest of the pottery in the sale - see the auction catalog: https://hessauctiongroup.hibid.com/catalog/600097/12-9-24-premier-antiques-and-americana-online-only-auction

Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Plate that Sold Last Night in Manheim, PA

Group Lot of Red Earthenware that Sold Last Night in Manheim, PA

The Slip Decorated Plate was Probably Made in Southeastern Pennsylvania

Measures 9 3/8" in Diameter

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Photo Courtesy: John M. Hess Auction Service

A View of the Back of the Plate

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Photo Courtesy: John M. Hess Auction Service

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The Rediscovery of the Jonathan Clark Pottery in Orford, New Hampshire

The site of the Deacon Jonathan Clark Pottery in Orford, N.H. was recently rediscovered! Benjamin Clark, son of Captain Peter Clark, founded this pottery business in 1816, which was then taken over by his son Jonathan in the 1840s, operating until the 1870s. 

Census records indicate that there were multiple employees working for Jonathan in the 1840s, whereas this is a business that was basically completely forgotten about in the twentieth century. 

The Clark family ran potteries in Braintree, Mass., Lyndeborough, N.H., Francestown, N.H., Concord, N.H., Orford, N.H. and Brownington, VT at various points in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. The family was also influential with production in Hartford, CT., Norfolk County, Mass., Essex County, Mass., parts of southern New Hampshire, the Concord area, Cheshire County, N.H., Grafton County, N.H., the Lake Winnipesaukee area, the North Conway, N.H. area and even parts of Vermont.

This will all be included in my forthcoming eighth book, titled, An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses

: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2024/11/a-preview-of-front-and-back-covers-of.html

Nonetheless, this YouTube video posted by Bram Hepburn shows the recent rediscovery of Jonathan Clark’s pottery site in Orford: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tA_2Mm4KdKA&pp=ygUcTmV3IGVuZ2xhbmQgcG90dGVyeSBsb2NhdGlvbg%3D%3D

Jonathan Clark Pottery in Orford, New Hampshire

The Site of the Jonathan Clark Pottery in Orford, N.H.

See Link Above

Courtesy: Bram Hepburn and YouTube

Note: For more information - see this story that I posted to this website a few weeks ago: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2024/11/the-circa-1816-1870s-multigenerational.html

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A Large 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Found Decades Ago in Virginia

With the sale of the Thomas J. Myers (1807-1863) red earthenware jug yesterday at Crowded House Auctions in Mooresville, Indiana, which is thought to have been made in Smyth County, Virginia during the 1850s-1860s period, I wanted to show this large nineteenth century red earthenware jar that I acquired out of Virgina about 15-20 years ago. I always felt this piece had a chance of being made in southwest Virginia, although it also shares characteristics with the Myers jug, as well as another jug made by Myers that sold at Case Antiques in the summer of 2023. 

However, in the case of this jar, it seems to have a similar footed base, a similar glaze color and a similar use of three incised lines as the two referenced stamped Myers jugs: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2024/12/a-19th-century-red-earthenware-jug.html.

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Found Decades Ago in Virginia

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Found in Virginia About 15-20 Years Ago

Possibly Made in Southwest Virginia

Stands 11" Tall

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Another View of the Jar

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Another View of the Jar

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A View of the Foot at the Base

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A View of the Base

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A 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Impressed "LIBERTY" that Sold Yesterday in Indiana

In the summer of 2023, Case Antiques in Knoxville, Tennessee sold a nineteenth century red earthenware jug that was made by Thomas J. Myers (1807-1863), which was made in the 1850s or 1860s, while Myers was working along the Great Road in Smyth County, Virginia. That jug was impressed "T.I.M.4," selling for $29,280 including the buyer's premium: https://auction.caseantiques.com/online-auctions/case-antiques/great-road-southwest-virginia-earthenware-pottery-jug-attrib-thomas-j-myers-5024991.

Furthermore, there was a nineteenth century red earthenware jar displayed in 2011 as part of the exhibit Tennessee Turned - Earthenware and Stoneware Made in East Tennessee 1800-1900 that was curated by Dr. Carole Wahler at the East Tennessee Historical Society, which also had the initials T.I.M. impressed behind the top left handle. This object may be included as part of Dr. Wahler's collection that is selling next month at Crocker Farm in Sparks, Maryland.

Both the 1850 and 1860 United States Federal Censuses list Myers as a potter in Smyth County, whereas the 1850 Census also notes that he was born in Virginia. His record of death indicates that he died from an unknown illness on April 11, 1863. 

Interestingly, a nineteenth century red earthenware jug marked "LIBERTY" that is thought to have been made by Myers in Smyth County sold yesterday at Crowded House Auctions in Mooresville, Indiana. The significance of this object and the context of the word liberty is important on a jug manufactured in the 1850s or 1860s, whereas the word's definition is "a state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views." Additionally, the American Civil War redefined the meaning of freedom, and this jug may be related to that time in American history.

Nonetheless, the jug sold for $7,000 plus the buyer's premium.

A 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Impressed "LIBERTY"

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Likely from Southwest Virginia

Thought to Have Been Made by Thomas J. Myers in Smyth County, Virginia

Marked with the Word "LIBERTY"

Circa 1850s-1860s

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Photo Courtesy: Crowded House Auctions

A View of the Impressed Word "LIBERTY"

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Photo Courtesy: Crowded House Auctions

Additional Views of the Jug

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Photo Courtesy: Crowded House Auctions

Thomas J. Myers Listed as a Potter in Smyth County, Virginia

This is from the 1850 United States Federal Census

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Thomas J. Myers Listed as a Potter in Smyth County, Virginia

This is from the 1860 United States Federal Census

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Thomas J. Myers Record of Death

He Died in Smyth County, Virginia on April 11, 1863

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