A 19th Century Stoneware Crock Decorated with Incised Birds from Athens, New York Sold Today in Pennsylvania

Unrelated to the subject of my forthcoming 709-page eighth book that will be available this month, titled, An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses, this nineteenth century stoneware crock sold today at Dargate Auction Galleries in Blairsville, Pennsylvania. The crock is stamped "N. CLARK / ATHENS," although this is from a different Clark family of potters, who worked with stoneware throughout upstate New York.

For a brief history of this business: Nathan Clark Sr. (1787-1880) and his brother-in-law Thomas Howe (d. 1813) partnered in the early 1800s; they built a stoneware kiln on Market Street in Athens, New York. Stoneware from this era of production is often stamped, "Clark & Howe." However, Howe passed away in 1813 and Clark purchased his share of the business becoming the sole owner of the pottery, where this became a very successful business located along the Hudson River. Clark's son, Nathan Clark Jr. (1819-1891) eventually operated the stoneware business. This was also a company that employed other potters during its existence, some of whom went on and established their own businesses, such as George Williams in Lyons, New York.

Interestingly, the elder Clark's obituary, read in 1880, "Athens has lost one of its oldest, most substantial, and best know citizens in the death of Nathan Clark, Sr., who died at this residence on Thursday last at the advanced age of 93 years. Mr. Clark was among the earliest residents of that village, and led in nearly all its important enterprises. He was born in Cornwall, NY and moved to Athens in 1809, when he established the Athens Pottery Works, which has gained a national reputation for its wares. He remained in active business until a few years since, when he retired and the business passed into the hands of his son, Nathan Clark, Jr. Mr. Clark never sought public office, but many positions of local trust have been conferred upon him by his appreciative townsmen. He was a prominent member and officer of Trinity Episcopal Church of Athens and was senior warden at the time of his death. His loss will be sadly felt by the community and a wide circle of relatives and friends."

Nonetheless, this crock is also decorated on both sides with an incised bird, whereas it sold today for $2,600 plus the buyer's premium.

Note: A good sixteen-gallon cobalt decorated stoneware crock from Hamilton & Company in Greensboro, Pennsylvania also sold in this sale today for $3,600 plus the buyer's premium: https://www.invaluable.com/auction-lot/-59547E98AF.

19th C. Stoneware Crock Decorated with Incised Birds from Athens, NY

19th Century Stoneware Crock Stamped "N. CLARK / ATHENS" (New York)

Decorated on Both Sides with a Stamped Bird

Stands 15 1/2" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Dargate Auction Galleries

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