Some Political Themed Red Earthenware that Sold Earlier this Week at Hake's Auctions in Pennsylvania

Three good pieces of nineteenth century political themed red earthenware sold this week at Hake's Auctions in York, Pennsylvania from the collection of Rex and Patti Stark of Massachusetts. One plate was of particular interest to me since I have previously written about this type of production.

This red earthenware plate is adorned with a central relief medallion bust of George Washington in profile with an arch of thirteen stars above the portrait and the name, "WASHINGTON" written below. It was made around the mid-1820s, which is when the Marquis de Lafayette (1757-1834), a French hero of the American Revolution, returned to the United States for a year-long "farewell tour" at the invitation of President James Monroe (1758-1831). This visit, marking the 50th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, was a triumphant homecoming, with Lafayette visiting all 24 states and being celebrated with parades, dinners, and commemorations. This type of production was also northern New Jersey's version of the better-known "Lafayette" and "Washington & Lafayette" slip script platters and plates made in Norwalk, Connecticut during the same period.

According to the Bergen County Historical Society, "Red earthenware pie plates are counted among the most treasured heirlooms of the New Jersey Dutch...Two celebrated Hackensack Valley potters, Henry Van Saun (d. 1829) and George Wolfkiel (1805-1867), produced pie plates at their pottery back shop, situated between Old Bridge (River Edge), New Jersey and New Bridge, New Jersey. This type of political production is associated with Van Saun's employment in Bergen County."

Nevertheless, this plate sold for $785.29 including the buyer's premium: https://www.hakes.com/Auction/ItemDetail/301959/GEO-WASHINGTON-IMPRESSED-REDWARE-CHARGER

Here is the other piece of political red earthenware that sold at Hake's Auctions:

Martin Van Buren Slip Script Red Earthenware Plate, "LOCO FOCO": https://www.hakes.com/Auction/ItemDetail/301955/LOCO-FOCO-MARTIN-VAN-BUREN-REDWARE-YELLOW-SLIP-MOTTO-CHARGER 

Note: For more information about red earthenware made in Bergen County, New Jersey - see a feature story I wrote for the January 1, 2021 issue of Antiques & Auction News, titled, "The Red Earthenware Manufactured in River Edge, New Jersey: A Look At Bergen County Pottery: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2021/01/early-pottery-production-in-river-edge.html.

Also, there is an account of Lafayette parading through New Hampshire in my New Hampshire book that was recently published, titled, An Influential Family of Early Potters: The Clarks of New Hampshire and Related Businesses: https://historicbeverly.net/product/an-influential-family-of-early-potters-the-clarks-of-new-hampshire-and-related-businesses/.

19th Century Red Earthenware Plate from Bergen County, New Jersey

Attributed to Henry Jacob Van Saun (d. 1829) in River Edge, New Jersey

Decorated with George Washington and 13 Stars in Relief
See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Hake's Auctions

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