A few days ago, a very rare example of early nineteenth century stoneware from the William Pecker (1757–1820) Pottery of South Amesbury (Merrimacport), Massachusetts, was sold in Ohio. The piece was auctioned by Amelia Jeffers as part of the Nancy Goff Collection: https://auctions.ameliajeffers.com/auction-catalog/the-lifetime-collection-of-nancy-goff-day-1_1Q8W67HY5Q?scrollPosition=44f9dd10be.
The open double-handled crock featured a stamped flower and hand-incised leaves and stem, both further embelished with circular motifs and cobalt infill. Pecker’s iconic bird stamp was impressed on the side, a design that matches archaeological evidence recovered from the site of his red earthenware and stoneware business.
Establishing the red earthenware business in Merrimacport around 1791, Pecker's stoneware production is notable for its pioneering status, as he was among the first in the region to master the distinct chemistry and higher temperature kiln firings required for this this type of pottery.
It is believed that Pecker gained his stoneware skills in Manhattan during the early 1800s, working with famous New York City pottery families like the Crolius or Remmeys. This urban training shows in his work through "Manhattan-style" open loop handles and stamped designs that were very unusual for rural New England potters at the time. He likely made this type of stoneware in Merrimacport between 1808 and 1820.
His surviving stoneware is also exceptionally rare, with only about a few dozen examples known, characterized by ovoid formed jars and jugs, as well as stamped designs, including birds, fish, flowers, and even impressions of George Washington. Tragically, his career ended abruptly in 1820 when he was killed by the collapse of one of his own kilns. Red earthenware production continued under his family through the 1880s, though the manufacture of stoneware was discontinued in Merrimacport with Pecker's death.
Nevertheless, the crock sold for $3,500 plus the buyer's premium: https://auctions.ameliajeffers.com/auction-lot/early-and-scarce-salt-glazed-and-cobalt-highlight_44f9dd10be.
Note: For more information - see my fourth published book, titled, South Amesbury's Red Earthenware & Stoneware: The 1791-1820 William Pecker Pottery: https://historicbeverly.net/product/south-amesburys-red-earthenware-stoneware-production/?fbclid=IwY2xjawRjax5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFyZHdFSElGT2lwbVRYRWtic3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHmmlgWqoec1Xp4VPGh_synkvbIDVy3ZWNe767zEp-CINp7VgLCBSR0Sj0B7p_aem_EwXgc98Xq3Bo6edwBp6tRw.
Also see a feature story I wrote for the April 23, 2023 issue of Antiques And The Arts Weekly, titled, William Pecker: A Massachusetts Red Earthenware & New York City Stoneware Potter: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2023/04/new-published-story-in-antiques-arts.html.
William Pecker Stoneware Crock Surfaces in the Nancy Goff Sale
Please Stay Tuned...Much More to Come...
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