18th and 19th Century Red Earthenware Candlesticks Recovered in New England

Candlesticks do not appear to have been produced regularly by early red earthenware potters in New England in the eighteenth or nineteenth century, although there are some examples known today. For instance, shown below is a nineteenth century red earthenware candlestick with no glaze that was recovered a few years ago near Topsham, Maine. The inspiration for the form is not clear, but it may have been inspired after a glass form. 

For reference: Topsham is situated along the Androscoggin River, which flows into Merrymeeting Bay, a large tidal estuary connecting to the Atlantic Ocean. It is located near Brunswick and Bath along the mid-coast of Maine.

Nonetheless, the most prolific American red earthenware candlestick is likely one that was made by Anthony Baecher (1824-1889) in Winchester, Virginia, circa 1880. That candlestick sold for $50,000 plus the buyer's premium at Pook & Pook in Downington, Pennsylvania in 2014: https://live.pookandpook.com/online-auctions/pook/virginia-redware-candlestick-ca-1880-by-anthony-5098097.

Furthermore, also shown below is the remains of a colonial eighteenth century red earthenware candlestick or candleholder recovered by archaeologists in Charlestown, Massachusetts in the 1980s. It is likely inspired after a slip decorated earthenware form produced in Staffordshire, England, such as an example posted below that was recovered in Williamsburg, Virginia. 

Note: For information about red earthenware candlesticks - see my first book, titled, The Beverly Pottery: The Wares of Charles A. Lawrence: https://historicbeverly.net/product/the-beverly-pottery-the-wares-of-charles-a-lawrence/.

Also see my third book, titled, 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/.

Red Earthenware Candlesticks Recovered in New England

19th Century Red Earthenware Candlestick Recovered in Topsham, Maine

Likely Made in Northern New England

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Collection

18th Century Red Earthenware Candlestick or Candleholder

Uncovered at the Maudlin Street Archaeological District in Charlestown, Mass.

Photo Courtesy: City of Boston Archaeology Program

18th Century Slip Decorated Earthenware Candleholder Made in Staffordshire, England

Recovered in Williamsburg, Virginia

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: City of Boston Archaeology Program

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