The Presentation Piece: Uncovering the Identity Behind the 'MB' Monogram

A few of the red earthenware pieces from Phase II of the Matt King Estate (Massachusetts) that just sold in New Hampshire are documented in my upcoming tenth book, An Early Industry of Household Wares: The Red Earthenware of Salem Village, Danvers, Peabody, Beverly and Salem, Massachusetts.

The first object is an early nineteenth century red earthenware jar, likely made by the Clark family of New Hampshire. The family's roots trace to Reverend Peter Clark (1693-1768) of Salem Village (now Danvers), where his grandson Peter Clark (1743-1826) trained before moving to New Hampshire in 1775: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/232885240_antique-redware-jar-w-cover-8-12-tall-westmoreland-nh. 

Another standout item was a n eighteenth century slip decorated red earthenware mug. Likely a presentation piece, it is completely unlike any other example of Massachusetts red earthenware I have encountered. Here is that story.

"...This eighteenth or early nineteenth century, barrel-shaped red earthenware mug reflects a shape commonly associated with the Bayley family (active ca. 1764-1799) of Newburyport, Massachusetts, though similar forms may have been also produced in the Danvers and Salem area. What distinguishes this piece is its profuse slip decoration and the prominent monogram on the front, which mirrors eighteenth century silver engravings. This style of monogramming is seen in the work of various red earthenware potters, as well as the 1793–1797 Boston stoneware of Jonathan Fenton (1766-1851). 

Likely a presentation piece—akin to the Quaker-related objects discussed in Chapter 2—the mug features initials that appear to read "MB." While the specific recipient remains unidentified, several prominent families with these initials resided in Newburyport and the Danvers/Salem area between 1760 and 1790. These families include the Bartletts, Boardmans and Browns, among others, who were deeply entrenched in the civic and maritime life of Newburyport and Salem during the Revolutionary War era. Furthermore, given that Daniel Bayley’s pottery was renowned for such refined work, it remains possible that the piece was created for a member of the potter's own family, such as his daughter, Mary Bayley (1768-1846). Regardless of the specific identity of "MB," the mug stands as a significant historical artifact, representing the vital intersection of domestic life and the craftsmanship of red earthenware in early Massachusetts."

Also featured in the new book is a small eighteenth century slip decorated red earthenware pitcher from Phase 1 of the Matt King Estate. It was likely made in the Danvers and Salem area, otherwise a Charlestown or another Essex County potter. To find out the full history of this object, you will have to wait for the book's publication.

Note: In the meantime - see my eighth book, 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/

18th or Early 19th Century Slip Decorated Red Earthenware Presentation Mug

This Shape of Mug is a Type Associated with Production in Newburyport, Mass.

But the Shape May Have Also Been Made Elsewhere in Essex County

The Front Appears to be Adorned with a Monogram with Initials "MB"

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Matt King Collection

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