This is an important nineteenth century slip decorated red earthenware pitcher that might be recognized by some people, who are familiar with objects sold by Manhattan antiques dealer and artist Steven Powers, and later owned by Rob Hunter in Williamsburg, Virginia.
However, this pitcher was originally purchased by Robert Girouard, who acquired it on eBay from a seller in Baltimore, Maryland, who purchased it from the Kopp family estate in northern Maryland. The pitcher was made by the German immigrant potter (John) Leonard Kopp (1831-1916) in Lineboro, Maryland or Black Rock, Pennsylvania, circa 1860-1880; it features a bearded man at the spout and a serpent handle. Girouard sold the pitcher to New York collector Peter Brams (1946-2023).
Kopp migrated with his parents, Johann (1800-1860) and Ann Marie Kopp (1801-1882) to York County, Pennsylvania about 1840. By 1845, he was living in Baltimore; he married Mary Muller Kopp (834-1909) in 1856. However, he was back living in Black Rock, Manheim Township, York County, Pennsylvania in 1858, which is where his first daughter, Ella Kopp (1858-1909) was born. The couple's first child, J. Martin Kopp (1856-1885), was born at sea in 1856, where the couple had at least thirteen additional children.
For reference: Lineboro and Black Rock are neighboring communities located along the Maryland and Pennsylvania border. Black Rock is a historical area in Manheim Township, which is the site of the Black Rock Church of the Brethren, formerly known as the Little Conewago German Baptist Church.
Kopp is listed in the 1870 United States Federal Census as a potter and farmer in Black Rock, Manheim Township. The 1880 Census lists him as a farmer in Black Rock, Manheim Township, as well as the 1900 and 1910 censuses.
This pitcher is likely an object manufactured to represent Kopp's German heritage; it retains a history of ownership with the Kopp family, although it may have also been an object used in the local German church. Kopp is known for a variety of wares today, some stamped "KOPP" or "L. KOPP," but this is likely the most significant example of his production known, perhaps made about 1860.
Nonetheless, Kopp died on September 2, 1916 and is buried in Lazarus Union Cemetery in Manheim Township.
Note: For more information about some unusual objects made by a German migrant potter - see the chapters about Carl Mehwaldt (1808-1887) in my recently published two-volume, ninth book, titled, America’s Great Awakening and Migration: The Red Earthenware of Western New York: https://historicbeverly.net/product/americas-great-awakening-and-migration-the-red-earthenware-of-western-new-york/.
Red Earthenware Pitcher Made by German Potter Leonard Kopp
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