A Rare Red Earthenware Object that was Discovered in a Shop in New Hampshire Last Weekend

Last weekend, I left my house in Newburyport, Massachusetts - and, I traveled north, with optimism, and hopes that I would be able to pick a small number of shops that I frequently visit every few months in central New Hampshire. It is a route that I have done well with in the past; however, I have also gone for lengthy spells, where I have not found anything in these shops, as well.

It is a similar direction to the cities and towns that I drove to a few weeks ago in New Hampshire, where I discovered a southeastern Massachusetts red earthenware jar and a red earthenware bowl that was likely made in Newburyport, Massachusetts. I did not take the exact same route, but it was a similar direction that does eventually lead to the lakes region in New Hampshire.

I wrote about one of last weekend's discoveries a few days ago, which was a rare nineteenth-century red earthenware jar likely made in North Yarmouth, Maine, circa 1820-1860. However, I also found the following whimsical red earthenware object in another shop.

Initially, I was not sure if this was an object made by Jerry Beaumont, a red earthenware and stoneware potter, who is currently employed in Maryland; although, he used to work in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and York, Maine.

The  reason I thought it may have been made by Jerry is the result of a faint mark on the base that appears like it could be a cross. Coincidentally, a cross also happens to be Jerry Beaumont's mark. Although, it also appeared (to me) that this mark may have been scratched in after the object left the potter's kiln, either by accident or intentionally.

When I got home, I checked with Jerry Beaumont, and he told me that this is not something he made when he worked in Portsmouth or York in the 1970's and the 1980's.

As-a-result, I now believe, that the scratching, seen on the base, may represent, the letter 'H' - and, it may also represent a previous owner.

Nevertheless, I purchased this object with the feeling that it was made in Pennsylvania in the late-nineteenth-century. This object is a molded red earthenware figure of a boy or a young man with a hat - and, I also assume that this object was made as a whimsical child's toy, circa 1850-1890.

A similar pair of molded objects sold in lot number 60 in Kelly Young's sale at Crocker Farm in Sparks, Maryland in January of 2010 - Kelly Young (1933-2009) was a prominent collector of red earthenware and stoneware from Fort Worth, Texas.

Mr. Young shared a great interest with utilitarian pottery produced in every major American potter's region in the 1800's. His collection was undoubtedly a landmark sale when it sold in 2010.

The objects that sold in lot number 60 were described by Crocker Farm as "...probably Pennsylvania in origin from the mid-to-late nineteenth-century. The molded figure of a woman is decorated with a bonnet and a broom - and, the man is decorated with a hat, broom and apron. Both figures are decorated with manganese slip highlights, copper slip at the base and covered in a lead glaze."

The lot was purchased by Giamer Antiques and Collectibles (see photos below) from Skippack, Pennsylvania, and the red earthenware man is currently for sale through their online store.

According to Giamer Antiques, "This (man) was probably a child's toy, and it is a wonder he has survived. We have been collecting redware for a long time, and we have never seen anything like this before."

Note: The photography used by Crocker Farm and Giamer Antiques and Collectibles shows how the red earthenware man appears in contrasting areas of lighting. I assume there is a chance that all three of these objects could be related.

Found in New Hampshire

 19th Century Molded Whimsical Red Earthenware Toy in the Form of a Boy or a Young Man

Attributed to Pennsylvania

Very Similar to the Manufacture of the Objects Seen Below

Recently Found in New Hampshire

Circa 1850-1890

Stands 4 1/4" Tall

 View of the Side

 View of the Back

View of the Base

The Letter 'H' Appears to Have Been Scratched Into the Base After this Object was Made

The 'H' May Represent a Previous Owner

Crocker Farm, Maryland

 Pair of Molded 19th Century Red Earthenware Figures Attributed to Pennsylvania

Ex-Kelly Young Collection - Fort Worth, Texas

Circa 1850-1890

Sold on January 30, 2010

(Left) Stands 4" Tall

(Right) Stands 3 7/8" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

View of the Backs

Photo Courtesy: Crocker Farm - Sparks, MD

Giamer Antiques, Pennsylvania

19th Century Red Earthenware Figure of a Man Attributed to Pennsylvania

Ex-Kelly Young Collection - Fort Worth, Texas

Circa 1850-1890

Stands 3 7/8" Tall

Sold on January 30, 2010

This is the Same Object as the Man Pictured Above

However, the Object is Shown Here in Different Lighting

Photo Courtesy: Giamer Antiques & Collectibles - Skippack, PA 

View of the Side

 Photo Courtesy: Giamer Antiques & Collectibles - Skippack, PA

 View of the Back

Photo Courtesy: Giamer Antiques & Collectibles - Skippack, PA

View of the Base

Photo Courtesy: Giamer Antiques & Collectibles - Skippack, PA

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

A 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar that was Discovered Today in New Hampshire

Quickly, I want to show this nineteenth-century red earthenware jar that I picked in New Hampshire today for under $50. I believe this to be an object made in North Yarmouth, Maine, circa 1820-1860. I have written about this specific form (and type of glazed) jar in recent months, and how this style is tied to the nineteenth-century North Yarmouth potter's industry today.

I will try to write more about this object soon enough, but for now, I would just like to show this rare find.

Note: The base is inscribed with the number '0' - there would have been originally a matching lid, also inscribed with the number '0.'

 My Niece, Alexis with the Red Earthenware Jar

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Likely Made in North Yarmouth, ME

Discovered Today in New Hampshire for Under $50

Circa 1820-1860

Stands 6 1/8" Tall

Another View of the Jar

View of the Interior

View of the Base with an Incised '0'

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

A Collection of 19th Century Red Earthenware that Sold Yesterday at Garth's Auctions in Ohio

Yesterday, concluded the sale of a private pottery, red earthenware, stoneware and glass collection, which had been consigned from Michigan to Garth's Auctions in Delaware, Ohio. The majority of that collection sold a few weeks ago on Saturday May 14th - here is a link to an article that I wrote about that sale. However, there were still some lots left for yesterday afternoon's eclectic sale in Ohio.

Personally, I feel the best lot was lot number 1244, which contained two red earthenware teapots - those teapots appeared to have been made at the Thomas Crafts Pottery (circa 1822-1833) in Whately, Massachusetts, and the Thomas Haig Pottery (circa 1812-1893) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Arguably, Crafts and Haig were the two most-prominent potters to make red earthenware teapots in the nineteenth-century. I actually feel that this was one of the best red earthenware lots to sell in either May 14th or yesterday's sale.

Examples of Craft's and Haig's teapots are represented in the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Pennsylvania, Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts and Historic New England.

Lot number 1147 may have been the best bargain yesterday, as it appeared like it may have included a southeastern Massachusetts jar to go along with two pots from Connecticut and another object from the Mid-Atlantic region.

Note: The suggested Thomas Crafts teapot could have also been made elsewhere - I suggest this since the production of Thomas Crafts teapots in Whately, Massachusetts also involved the potter, Sanford S. Perry, who made similar teapots in Boston and in upstate New York.

Lot #1057

Group of 19th Century Red Earthenware Objeccts

Circa 1820-1880

Group Sold for $480

(Far Left & Left) Appears to be Pennsylvania Products

Circa 1820-1860

(Right) Pitcher Possibly from Western New York or Ontario

Circa 1840-1900

(Far Left) Jug Could be From Maine

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot #1058

Group of 19th Century Red Earthenware Objects

The Group Appears to be From Pennsylvania and Western New York

Circa 1820-1880

Group Sold for $390

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot #1104

Origin Unknown for These Products

I Had Questioned if the Pitcher Could be from Ontario

Group Sold for $42

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot #1147

Group of 19th Century Red Earthenware

Circa 1820-1880

Group Sold for $156

(Back Left) 19th Century Red Earthenware Pot Likely Made in Connecticut

Circa 1820-1860

(Front Left) 19th Century Red Earthenware Pot Likely Made in Connecticut

Circa 1820-1860

(Back Right) Jar Possibly Made in Southeastern Massachusetts

Circa 1790-1830

(Front Right) Probably Made in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot #1228

Group of 19th Century Red Earthenware

Circa 1820-1900

Group Sold for $180

The Entire Group is Likely from Pennsylvania Except the Dish in the Front

The Dish in the Front is Likely from Quebec

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot #1244

(Left) Likely Thomas Crafts Pottery Red Earthenware Teapot - Whately, Mass.

However, Could Have Been Made in Boston or Upstate New York, As Well

Circa 1812-1840

Stands 6 1/2" Tall

(Right) Likely Thomas Haig Pottery Red Earthenware Teapot - Philadelphia, PA

Circa 1812-1840

Stands 7" Tall

Group Sold for $450

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

Lot #1245

Group of 19th Century Red Earthenware

Circa 1800-1900

Group Sold for $480

(Far Left & Far Right) Slip Decorated Plates Likely Made in Pennsylvania

(Back Middle) Bowl Likely European in Origin

(Front Row) Bowl and Food Mold Likely Made in Pennyslvania

(Front Row) Slip Decorated Dish Attributed to England

Photo Courtesy: Garth's Auctions - Delaware, OH

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

A Group of 19th Century Red Earthenware Objects that Were All Possibly Made in Vermont Before 1840

I have owned the following pair of early-nineteenth-century red earthenware pots for a few years - I bought them because they looked like they were rare skillfully made objects from New England, circa 1810-1840. I have also written about them in the past, where I had suggested a possible attribution; although, I was never completely sure of where these pots were definitely made despite what I had suggested for a description.

I purchased the colorful pot shown to the left in an antique shop in New Hampshire in 2014; however, the black-glazed pot (shown to the right) has a long history of ownership in Vermont, which I purchased at a Crocker Farm auction in Maryland in March of 2013.

The black-glazed pot was consigned as part of a lifelong collection of red earthenware assembled by a Vermont collector in the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's. The collection included products made in Maine, New Hampshire, northeastern Massachusetts, Vermont, western New York and Ontario. It is my guess that the collector probably traveled throughout eastern upstate New York, Vermont and New Hampshire in search of these objects.

Recently, it dawned on me that the handles found on both of these jars match the type of handles that are found on jars made in the Middlebury, Vermont-area, circa 1810-1835. The handles match in form, and also how the handles were attached to the jar with two thumb impressions.

Truthfully, I have previously seen a similar form, like my jars, that was attributed to Vermont by a longtime Cape Cod, Massachusetts collector, but I was never sure how that attribution was developed.

The Little Compton, Rhode Island Historical Society owns an example that matches my black-glazed pot in form and glaze, but it is also dressed with a beaded decoration similar to the Middlebury-made jar that is shown below from the Art Institute of Chicago in Illinois. Unfortunately, the museum does not provide an attribution or any provenance for their jar; however, the historical society does own other Vermont-made products in its red earthenware collection that could be related.

 (Left) 19th Century Red Earthenware Pot that Appears to Have Been Made in Vermont

Found in a Shop in New Hampshire in 2014

Circa 1810-1840

Stands 7 3/4" Tall

(Right) 19th Century Red Earthenware Pot that Appears to Have Been Made in Vermont

Purchased from a Longtime Vermont Collection in 2013

Circa 1810-1840

Stands 7 1/2" Tall

 Another View of the Jars

 View of Handle Attachments

See Handles in Other Objects Below

View of the Handles and Thumb Prints

See Handles in Other Objects Below

Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Made in Vermont

Made by Edwin William Farrar in Middlebury, VT

Stamped 'E.W. FARRAR'

Circa 1830

Stands 9 3/8" Tall

Photo Courtesy: The Art Institute of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Made in Vermont

Attributed to Edwin William Farrar in Middlebury, VT

Circa 1830

Stands 9 3/4" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Colonial Williamsburg - Williamsburg, VA

View of a Handle

This Handle is Very Similar the Handles Shown on the Pair of Pots Above

Photo Courtesy: Colonial Williamsburg - Williamsburg, VA

Mint Museum, North Carolina

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Made in Vermont

Attributed to Edwin William Farrar in Middlebury, VT

Circa 1830

Stands 8 5/8" Tall

Photo Courtesy: Mint Museum - Charlotte, NC

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

A Comparison of a Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Jug with a Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Ring Flask

A late-eighteenth or early-nineteenth century red earthenware bottle or jug was among the most desired red earthenware objects in Lewis Scranton's collection that Skinner, Inc. sold in Killingworth, Connecticut two-weeks ago. The object sold for $6,500 - Lewis Scranton reportedly acquired this object from Connecticut antiques dealer, Philip Liverant in 1974.

The jug was decorated with a variegated dark glaze with splashes of slip - the slip-decoration was applied in a similar manner as are some sponge decorated red earthenware objects that were made in the eighteenth and nineteenth-centuries in Pennsylvania and Virginia. However, I believe this is likely a coastal Massachusetts product, circa 1780-1830. Its form and footed base is very-similar to jugs that are commonly attributed to southeastern Massachusetts today.

Nevertheless, I would like to compare a red earthenware ring flask that I own to the bottle or jug from Lewis Scranton's collection. I believe this ring flask to be New England-made in origin - it is also decorated in a dark-glaze with drops of slip-decoration on top of the glaze. I do not have proof, but I am curious to know if there could be a relationship between these two objects.

 Late-18th or Early-19th Century Red Earthenware Bottle or Jug 

Possibly Made in Coastal Massachusetts

Circa 1780-1830

Stands 6 1/2" Tall

Lewis Scranton Collection - Killingworth, CT

Photo Courtesy: Skinner, Inc. - Boston & Marlborough, Mass.

19th Century Red Earthenware Ring Flask

Glaze is Very-Similar to the Jug Shown Above

Circa 1800-1840

Measures 8 7/8" in Diameter

 Another View of the Glaze

 View of the Base

View of the Hole Where the Liquid Would be Inserted

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

A Jar that was Likely Made at the Wachusett Pottery in West Sterling, Massachusetts, Circa 1837-1881

In association with the article that I posted earlier this morning - I want to show why I suggest that some of the objects made at the Wachusett Pottery in West Sterling, Massachusetts could be mistaken for products made in northern New England, especially in Maine before 1880.

I purchased this jar in Maine a few years ago at an auction - and, it was advertised as a Maine-made product, circa 1820-1860. However, the form is completely in-keeping with some of the jars that I posted in the earlier article about Abner S. Wight (1822-1890) today.

Traditionally, this is said to be a Maine-type of glaze, but the "form does not lie." This is an example of why attribution on glaze-alone is difficult, and often risky.

This is a type of form that was likely made at the Wachusett Pottery during the circa 1837-1881 period. The attribution is based on sherd evidence and jars that were stamped by Abner S. Wight when he was employed in West Sterling.

The reason that I have not suggested a tighter production period to specifically focus with Abner S. Wight's employment in West Sterling is a result of a slight variation in the form. That variation is found with the small collar around the neck, and along the rim where it slightly flares out.

This jar may have been made by Abner S. Wight; however, it may have been made by another potter employed at the Wachusett Pottery, as well. Nevertheless, I am confident that this is a product that was produced in West Sterling before 1881.

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Likely Made at the Wachusett Pottery - West Sterling, Mass.

This Type of Glaze Would Normally Be Attributed to Maine or New Hampshire Today

Circa 1837-1881

Stands 7 7/8" Tall

Purchased at an Auction in Maine a Few Years Ago

 Another View of the Jar

 View of the Handle

 View of the Other Handle

 View of the Interior

View of the Base

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

Abner S. Wight's 'Wachusett Pottery' - An Important Potter's Business that is Not Widely Known Today

A prominent Maine collector, recently said to me, that it is not unusual today to find late-eighteenth or nineteenth-century surviving red earthenware from an unknown potter - and, there are often then attempts to try to attribute that object to one of the area's better known potter's businesses. Instead, he said that object should sometimes be viewed as a product from a lesser known potter's business that is not entirely understood today.

I feel the name Abner S. Wight (1822-1890) is among that group of New England red earthenware potters, who are relatively unknown today.  Wight began his career as a New Hampshire potter before 1849 in Marlboro producing traditional utilitarian red earthenware. However, he eventually relocated around the mid-nineteenth-century to West Sterling, Massachusetts, which is a small town in Worcester County, where he eventually purchased the Wachusett Pottery (established circa 1820) just before the start of the American Civil War. Wight owned the Wachusett Pottery during the circa 1860-1865/66 period.

The name 'Wachusett Pottery' was adopted from Mount Wachusett, which overlooks the town that the pottery was located.

For many reasons, I find this potter's business fascinating today; although, a notable influence with my interest is the fact that Wight's ownership basically only happened during the years that overlapped the American Civil War. I suppose it may be only a coincidence; however, I do wonder if there is more to this story that has not, yet been interpreted today.

The wares made by Wight in Massachusetts can probably be mistaken for products made in Maine, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania today - included in his output were miniature objects, which is a style uncharacteristic for most New England-based red earthenware potter's businesses during the period. Miniatures were much more popular with Pennsylvania potters. Wight also occasionally decorated his products in colorful-glazes that I feel could be mistaken for northern New England products today. Most importantly, Wight also occasionally stamped his red earthenware, 'A.S. WIGHT,' which is quite rare for any utilitarian red earthenware potter's business located in New England before 1890.

In a twentieth-century article, 'The Pottery Business in Sterling' written by Edwin H. Coolidge for 'Old Time New England' in July 1932 - it is said that the Wachusett Pottery was established in 1820 based on surviving letterheads from the company. However, the earliest evidence that Coolidge discovered was in 1837, when the Troy, New Hampshire potter, Henry Tolman (1783-1851) purchased land for a red earthenware business in West Sterling.

According to Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins book, 'Early New England Potters and Their Wares,' "Henry Tolman was assisted as-early-as 1837, and then succeeded by his son Henry Tolman, Jr. (1810-1892), who in 1849 was running the works under the name, 'H. Tolman, Jr. & Co.' The father had evidently retired and died two years later.

The firm is also listed in the New England Directory of 1849 as ' Tolman & Wight.' 

It is possible that Abner S. Wight, son of John Wight of Dublin, New Hampshire already had an interest in the West Sterling pottery, although, by all accounts, he did not purchase it until about 1860.

In 1856, the firm's name was 'Wight & Willard' (later A.S. Wight & Co., circa 1860-1865/66), Tolman had withdrawn from the partnership. Abner S. Wight and his associate carried on a thriving business until after the close of the American Civil War.

The pottery's affairs were then taken over by Marcus L. Snow, James Smith, and Marcellus Wight, Abner's son, as 'Snow, Smith & Company.' 

In 1869, it was in the hands of Snow and a new partner, Henry Coolidge. who ran the works successfully as 'Snow and Coolidge' until the death of the latter in 1881."

Note: A prominent example of Wight's New Hampshire red earthenware production was found more than a decade ago by Falmouth, Massachusetts antiques dealers, Hilary and Paulette Nolan on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. This butter churn was likely an object made by Wight as a display for his storefront in Marlboro, New Hampshire. The inscription ('Give Us A Try') appears to have enticed prospective clients to buy products from Wight - the butter churn is also inscribed 'June 23, 1847, Abner S. Wight, Manufacturer of Earthenware, Marlboro, New Hampshire.'

I also want to note that some of the following objects were stamped by Abner S. Wight, while he operated the Wachusett Pottery - and, therefore I suggest a circa 1860-1865/66 production date.

There are also examples shown below that are not stamped, but an accurate attribution is possible based on the form, and where the object was discovered - and, for those objects, I suggest a circa 1849-1868 production period. I suggest the broader production date to include the entire period of when Abner S. Wight and his son, Marcellus Wight were involved with the Wachusett Pottery in West Sterling.

---- EXAMPLE OF ABNER S. WIGHT'S MARLBORO, NH PRODUCTION ----

MARLBORO, NH
Important Butter Churn

19th Century Red Earthenware Butter Churn

Made by Abner S. Wight - Marlboro, NH

Likely an Advertising Object that was Placed in a Storefront Window

Dated June 23, 1847

Found on Cape in Massachusetts by Antiques Dealers, Hilary and Paulette Nolan

 Photo Courtesy: Northeast Auctions - Portsmouth, NH

Another View of the Churn

Photo Courtesy: Northeast Auctions - Portsmouth, NH

---- EXAMPLES OF ABNER S. WIGHT'S 'WACHUSETT POTTERY' PRODUCTION ----

WEST STERLING, MASS.
Matching Pair of Jars

(Left) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar 

Made at the Abner S. Wight Pottery - West Sterling, Mass. 

Otherwise Known as the Wachusett Pottery

Marked 'A.S. WIGHT'

Stands 9 1/4" Tall

Circa 1860-1865/66

Reportedly Found in Central Massachusetts

(Right) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Attributed to the Abner S. Wight Pottery - West Sterling, Mass. 

Otherwise Known as the Wachusett Pottery

Circa 1849-1868

Stands 8 1/2" Tall

Purchased in Brimfield, Mass. in 2015, But Reportedly Previously Found in New Hampshire

View of the 'A.S. WIGHT' Mark

Colorfully-Glazed Jar

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Attributed to the Abner S. Wight Pottery - West Sterling, Mass. 

Otherwise Known as the Wachusett Pottery

I Could See this Object Mistaken for a Product Made in Maine

Circa 1849-1868

Stands 8 3/8" Tall

Reportedly Found in Central Massachusetts

View of the Handle

Another Jar Form

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar 

Made at the Abner S. Wight Pottery - West Sterling, Mass.

Otherwise Known as the Wachusett Pottery

Marked 'A.S. WIGHT'

I Could See this Object Mistaken for a Product Made in Maine or New Hampshire

Stands 7 7/8" Tall

Circa 1860-1865/66

Reportedly Found in Central Massachusetts

View of the 'A.S. WIGHT' Mark

Miniature Objects

(Left) Miniature 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed to the Abner S. Wight Pottery - West Sterling, Mass.

Otherwise Known as the Wachusett Pottery

Circa 1849-1868

Stands 2 1/2" Tall

Found in Wiscasset, ME

(Middle) Miniature 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug

Attributed to the Abner S. Wight Pottery - West Sterling, Mass.

Otherwise Known as the Wachusett Pottery

Circa 1849-1868

Stands 2 1/4" Tall

Reportedly Dug at the Site of the Abner S. Wight Pottery in West Sterling, Mass.

(Right) Miniature 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Made at the Abner S. Wight Pottery - West Sterling, Mass.
Otherwise Known as the Wachusett Pottery

Base is Inscribed 'A.S. Wight / Wachusett / Pottery'

Circa 1860-1865/66

Stands 2 5/8" Tall

Purchased in Worcester County, Mass.

Photo Courtesy: Private Massachusetts Collection

(Middle) View of the Inscribed Base 'A.S. Wight / Wachusett / Pottery'

Photo Courtesy: Private Massacusetts Collection

(Left & Right) A Close Comparison of the Jugs Shows They Are Undoubtedly Related

View of the Inscribed Base 'A.S. Wight / Wachusett / Pottery'

Photo Courtesy: Private Massacusetts Collection

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