An Elusive Trio: Investigating a Rare Form of New England Red Earthenware

This specific type of early nineteenth century red earthenware jug is exceptionally rare, with only three examples currently known to exist in New England. One sold several years ago at Sotheby's in New York City, another was owned by Dr. Ed Robertson, and a third was recently in the inventory of Massachusetts antiques dealer Sam Herrup.

While there is some past discussion suggesting these jugs may have originated in New Hampshire, they do not appear to align with any known production from that state. Instead, their physical attributes—specifically the squat, exaggerated bulbous form, the rounded foot, the handle style and the handle terminal—may suggest a connection to the Noah Bradford Jr. (1761-1841) Pottery site on Cape Cod in Barnstable, Massachusetts, circa 1819-1831.

In fact, this distinctive squat bulbous form closely mirrors two early nineteenth century red earthenware jars previously owned by Sandwich, Massachusetts cabinetmaker Samuel Wing (1774-1854), which are believed to have been manufactured nearby in Barnstable and are now in the collection of Old Sturbridge Village. Furthermore, the bold finger impression at the terminal of each jug's handle (see below) closely matches the handle treatment found on the Wing jars. It is certainly compelling food for thought!

These Early 19th Century Red Earthenware Jugs Are All Likely from the Same Business

Forms Slightly Vary

Top Left and Bottom are Squat and Bulbous in Form

Top Right is a Smaller Version

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Photo Courtesy: Dr. Ed Robertson, Sam Herrup and Sotheby's

This is How All of the Handle Terminals Appear on the Three Jugs

This is the Handle Seen on the Jug Pictured to the Top Right

The Handle Terminal Sherd is from the Noah Bradford Pottery Site on Cape Cod

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A Closer View of the Comparison

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This is One of the Jars that was Owned by Samuel Wing in Sandwich, Mass.

Likely Made at the Bradford Pottery in Barnstable, Mass.

Likely 1819-1830

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Photo Courtesy: Old Sturbridge Village

This is the Second Jar that was Owned by Samuel Wing in Sandwich, Mass.

Likely Made at the Bradford Pottery in Barnstable, Mass.

Likely 1819-1830

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Photo Courtesy: Old Sturbridge Village

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