A Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Cup or Small Mug, Likely Manufactured in Essex County, Massachusetts

Last year, I wrote a feature story that was  published in the New England Antiques Journal, entitled, Digging Into the Peabody Potteries: Archaeology and Red Earthenware, where I wrote, "I feel the production of slip in Essex County, Massachusetts is a subject that really needs to re-examined today. After all, I have found a number of slip-decorated artifacts in separate contexts in the Peabody area."

I feel this cup or small mug should be included as part of that conversation; the form itself, as well as the handle are what I believe to be production from Essex County, dating from the 1760s until the early 1800s. The slip is also a style found with some wares manufactured in Essex County in the eighteenth century, such as the red earthenware produced at the Bayley family pottery in Newburyport, Massachusetts, circa 1764-1799. Similar styles of slip have also been recovered from a brick-lined privy within a 1770s archaeological context at the Narbonne House in Salem, Massachusetts. Those objects were chamber pots, and also attributed to the Bayley family in Newburyport.

However, I have also seen evidence that may suggest this was a style of slip manufactured in the Peabody/Salem area in the eighteenth century. But I have yet to determine what business or businesses were decorating pottery with slip in this area during this period, although, there were dozens of businesses and many names involved with this industry.

It should also be noted that the spotted green glaze found on this object is too commonly attributed to Gonic, New Hampshire today. This is a type of glaze found from potteries all over the country, and especially throughout New England in the eighteenth and nineteenth century.

Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Cup or Small Mug

Likely 18th Century Slip-Decorated Red Earthenware Cup or Small Mug
Likely Manufactured in Essex County, Mass.

Stands 5 1/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Connecticut Collection

Another View of the Cup or Small Mug

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Connecticut Collection

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

Circa 1892 Red Earthenware Inspired After Christopher Columbus

Whether you feel Christopher Columbus deserves his own national holiday in the United States is a debate in itself; in fact, this exact subject was published not too long ago in the October 5, 2017 edition of the New York Times. However, it cannot be denied that Columbus was a polarizing figure for many Americans in the nineteenth century, as represented today in artwork, prints and even pottery.

According to the University of Chicago, "The World's Columbian Exposition, also known as the Chicago World's Fair, was organized in celebration of the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' landing in America. Twenty-seven million people visited the exhibition halls, which displayed inventions in fields as diverse as mining, agriculture, and the liberal arts. Additional attractions included the world's first ferris wheel, daily concerts, lectures, belly dancers on a simulated 'Street of Cairo,' Buffalo Bill Cody and his Wild West Show, and the Viking, a replica of the Norwegian Gokstad ship. It was also at the fair that the public was introduced to Juicy Fruit gum, Quaker Oats, Hershey's chocolate, the hamburger, and electric light, which illuminated the grounds and helped to garner them the title The White City."

The Columbian half dollar was also issued by the Bureau of the Mint in 1892 to commemorate Christopher Columbus' 400 year anniversary; although, it was also used to raise funds for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, which ran from May 1, 1893 until October 30, 1893. The Columbian half dollar was the first American coin to depict a historical figure.

Nevertheless, these are two pieces of Christopher Columbus inspired red earthenware that I have acquired throughout the years. I believe both of these pieces were manufacture about 1892. The first object is a red earthenware figure depicting Columbus, and the second is a match holder decorated with a large applied bust of Columbus and inscribed on the back "J Gregory Burner 1892."

Red Earthenware Bust of Christopher Columbus

 19th Century Red Earthenware Bust of Christopher Columbus Likely Made Pennsylvania

Likely Made to Commemorate Columbus' 400 Year Anniversary of Landing in America

Circa 1892

Stands 3 1/4" Tall

See Article for More Information

View of the Back

See Article for More Information

Red Earthenware Match Holder with Bust of Christopher Columbus

 19th Century American Red Earthenware Match Holder with Bust of Christopher Columbus

Back Inscribed "J Gregory Burner 1892"

Circa 1892

Stands 6 1/2" Tall
See Article for More Information

View of the Back

The Back is Inscribed "J Gregory Burner 1892"

See Article for More Information

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

19th Century Business Card from the Portland Stoneware Company in Portland, Maine

In a post from earlier today, I wrote about the Portland Stoneware Company in Portland, Maine; this is a circa 1885 business card from that company that I just purchased. Interestingly, it is also very similar to another business card I recently acquired from Charles A. Lawrence's pottery in Beverly, Massachusetts from about the same time period. The design similarities may reveal the relationship the C.A. Lawrence Pottery established with the Portland Stoneware Company, since Lawrence is known to have been a broker for Portland sewer pipe in the 1880s and 1890s.

Nonetheless, this is only the second business card that I have ever seen from the Portland Stoneware Company, with the other card being owned by Historic New England today.

The card reads on the front, "Portland Stone Ware Corporation / Manufactures of / Art and Horticultural Terra Cotta, Garden and Cemetery Vases, Statuary / Fountains, Fancy Flowerpots, Hanging Baskets, Art Pottery / Decorated and Undecorated / Plaques, Umbrella Stands / and All Kinds of Fancy Clay Goods."

The reverse reads, "Also Manufactures of Drain and Sewer Pipe, Fire Brick, Shapes and Tiles, Chimney Tops and Wind Guards, Gas Retorts and Settings, Locomotive Brick of any size, Smoke Jack for Engine Houses, Stone Ware for Chemical Purposes, Portland Mixture for Stove Lining, Land Tile, Fire Clay, Kaolin, Roman, Portland and American Cement."

Portland Stoneware Company Business Cards

19th Century Business Card from the Portland Stoneware Company in Portland, ME

(Top) Front of the Card

(Bottom) Reverse of the Card

I Am Only Aware of One Other Business Card Like this in Existence

The Second Card is Owned by Historic New England

See Article for More Information

19th Century Business Card from the Portland Stoneware Company in Portland, ME

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Historic New England

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

19th Century Painted Stoneware Urn Found this Past Summer in a Cellar in Woolwich, Maine

While exploring the Mid-Coast of Maine this past July, I found this late-nineteenth century painted stoneware urn with an Albany glazed interior with my niece Alexis on the bottom floor of a shop, which was said to have recently been found in a basement of a house in Woolwich, Maine. I believe this is probably a product of the Portland Stoneware Company, although the paint is likely not original and instead created by an early owner. But the paint is also really well executed and adds an incredible feature to this already accomplished product. The company advertised these type of wares as "undecorated" in the 1880s, meaning it was meant to be painted or decorated by its owner.

The overall form resembles many of the nineteenth century sewer tile urns manufactured at the Portland Stoneware Company in the late 1800s, intended for outdoor use. A number of these sewer tile urns were used in formal gardens during this period, but I also know about a group of urns that were used in cemeteries in Portland.

Nevertheless, this stoneware urn is likely the opposite of the sewer tile products, and rather was intended for indoor use during the Victorian Era. This was also an era known for its Grecian Revival Movement that some potters embraced throughout New England. I believe this is an example of that production, which the Portland Stoneware Company is known to have advertised in the 1880s and 1890s.

I would also like to add that the Portland Stoneware Company produced both stoneware and sewer tile products, whereas the sewer tile is thought to have been created from local clays, while the stoneware was imported from New York and New Jersey. Production also included umbrella stands from both mediums, some of which are adorned with applied ancient figures.

According to the book, Portland Past and Present published in 1899 and written by Charles Bancroft Gillespie, "The Portland Stoneware Company has developed into one of the largest of its kind in the United States. The goods manufactured, comprise all kinds of drain pipe, vitrified brick, locomotive brick and garden urns, the latter in endless variety. 

To the large plant, important additions have been made every year, and 40,000 tons of clay are annually used, and 200 hands are given employment. About ten acres of ground space are occupied.

Spur tracks from the Portland and Rochester R.R. extend through the plant, and an average of six car-loads is the daily shipment of the company to all parts of the United States. 

It is estimated that over 100 miles of drain-pipe are kept in stock, comprising all the different sizes, from a small two-inch pipe, to two and one-half feet long, weighing ten pounds, to the thirty-inch pipe, weighing 660 pounds.

The clay comes direct from New York and New Jersey, and a large amount of native blue clay is used.

The works are admirably fitted for turning out the largest orders, and the reputation of the concern has placed the company well in the front ranks in its line in the country. 

In additional to large, new brick buildings, the plant possess twenty-four kilns, which are located outside the main shops. Every kiln has a capacity for holding six car-loads of pipe, and in these mammoth ovens the clay is burned into the finished product. 

The company is fully equipped for supplying the largest contracts, and many orders as large as 200,000 feet have been filled and shipped to New England points. 

Besides manufacturing brick for every conceivable kind of fire-box, from the linings of small cook stoves to the largest fire-boxes of modern locomotives, the concern in recent years has turned out in large quantities the new vitrified brick for paving, which has an advantage over granite blocks being smoother and easier to ride over; this new brick is now being extensively used and turned out. These bricks are made from a special prepared clay, and 54 bricks a minute are pressed in large machines. 

In the manufacture of garden urns, made in artistic and varied patterns, for both public and private grounds, the company has a large output. This important industry adds much to the reputation of Portland as a manufacturing center. 

The proprietors of the company are Winslow and Co., of which E.B. Winslow, of Portland is the head, and to whose executive ability the marked growth of the business, and the diversity of its products as now yielded, are due."

Painted Stoneware Urn Reportedly Found in a Basement in Woolwich, ME

Late-19th Century Painted Stoneware Urn

Reportedly Recently Found in a Basement in Woolwich, ME

Likely Made in Portland, ME

Photo Taken Next to a River Near Woolwich, ME

See Article for More Information

Portland Stoneware Company

Portland Stoneware Company - Portland, ME

Circa 1880

Notice All the Kilns that Surround Both Sides of the Company

Also Notice the Railroad and the Stacks of Wood

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Portland Past and Present

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

19th Century Billhead from a Red Earthenware Manufacturer in Troy, New Hampshire

It was written when Melvin Ticknor Stone, MD.'s book, Historical Sketch of the Town of Troy, New Hampshire, and Her  Inhabitants From the First Settlement of the Territory Now Within the Limits of the Town in 1764-1897 was published in 1897, "About 1878, C.M. Silsby and Company made pottery at the north end in the old Whitcomb and Forristall pail shop, and a year or two later by W.G. and R.M. Silsby for a short time, and afterwards by Henry McCormac."

However, Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins expanded upon this information when Early New England Potters and Their Wares was published in 1950. "Elderly residents of Troy can remember two later concerns that were devoted to the decoration of red earthenware flowerpots. The first of these was started about 1875 by Charles Adelbert Farrar. He owned a brick shop diagonally across the road to the south from the railroad station. Flowerpots and jugs were the principal output.

The second pottery was carried on by C.M. Silsby and Company in the Old Whitcomb and Forristall pail shop at the north end of town. A year or two later after its establishment, the managers were W.G. and R.M. Silsby, who were soon succeeded by Frank A. Aldrich and then Henry McCormac. It is said that McCormac was a practical potter; the Silsbys were not. These potteries did not find the business profitable; their buildings fell into decay, and the manufacture was wholly abandoned before 1885."

Nevertheless, I've learned that the Silsbys involved with this business were brothers, who were probably also connected to the Silsby Tannery, which operated in Troy during this period. But the brothers also seem to have been involved with other local enterprises, as well.

This is a billhead I recently acquired issued by C.M. Silsby and Company; although it is clearly printed that the "company" likely referred to W.G. Silsby and R.M. Silsby who later acquired the business. This billhead also proves that the Silsbys were in business before 1878, since an order of red earthenware had been filled on October 5th, 1877.

I suspect the 1878 date that M.T. Ticknor, MD published in 1897 was probably recognized when the company first began advertising, in such publications as the 1878 New Hampshire Register, Farmer's Almanac and Business Directory. But the firm C.M. Silsby and Company may have been in operation a year or two before 1877, suggesting that the original ownership may have lasted for as many as five years. Unfortunately, I have never seen a piece of pottery that I thought could have been manufactured at either of the Silsby businesses.

C.M. Silsby and Company Billhead

19th Century C.M. Silsby and Company Billhead

"Manufacturers of Earthen Ware of All Kinds"

Dated October 5th, 1877

See Article for More Information

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

The Origin of a 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar that Sold About Four Years Ago in Ontario

This is a nineteenth century red earthenware jar, which sold at an estate auction about four years ago, as part of the John and Lynda Aristone Collection - the auction was run onsite by Jim Anderson in Oakville, Ontario. Oakville is located about 20 miles south of Toronto, along Lake Ontario.

Almost every red earthenware object in the collection had been manufactured in Canada, with the majority from Ontario, although I have never been able to determine a proper attribution for this object.

I could certainly see this jar attributed as American production today, if it were discovered in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, etc.

The pot itself appears finely thrown and more refined than some of the Canadian red earthenware that I am accustomed to seeing today. The simple splattered manganese decoration on top of the yellow glaze is wonderful. It's really a beautiful piece of nineteenth century utilitarian pottery.

However, this is a piece of pottery that I would love to learn more about, even though to my knowledge this skilled potter currently remains anonymous. Any thoughts? Is it Canadian? American?

Red Earthewnare Jar Sold in Ontario in 2014

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Sold a Few Years Ago in Ontario

Stands About 8" to 9" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Jim Anderson Auctions

Another View of the Jar

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Jim Anderson Auctions

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

Two Red Earthenware Pots: One Pot that Just Sold at Auction and Another that was Recovered in Northern Vermont

While there are certainly differences, a nineteenth century red earthenware pot recovered a few years ago in northern Vermont somewhat reminds me of another handled pot, which sold over the weekend at Duane Merrill's auction in Williston, Vermont. By no means am I saying that these objects were definitely manufactured by the same potter, although the forms are somewhat similar.

The remains of the handled pot were recovered a few years ago by Chris Helenek around an early foundation in Barton, Vermont within a circa 1790-1830 context, which is located less than 20 miles south of the Quebec border. It should also be noted that Brownington, Vermont is a neighboring community to the north of Barton.

It would seem that there is a good probability that this pot was made by Peter Clark II, son of Peter Clark (1743-1826) who operated a red earthenware business before the American Revolution in Braintree, Massachusetts and later in Lyndeborough, New Hampshire in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. Clark II was also a brother of Daniel Clark who trained under his father in Lyndeborough before he established the industry in Concord, New Hampshire in the early 1790s.

According to Massachusetts author, Lura Woodside Watkins (Early New England Potters and Their Wares), as well as the Old Stone House Museum in Brownington, "Peter Clark II (1764-1851), known as the first settler of Brownington, was part of a renowned family of potters from the state of New Hampshire.

Old Stone House Museum

Old Stone House Museum in Brownington, VT

Built in 1836 by Alexander Twilight, America's First African-American College Graduate

Photo Courtesy: Preservation Trust of Vermont

When Peter II was 30 years old, he helped his brother Daniel set up a pottery in Concord, and then traveled north to settle in Brownington. He had explored the area in 1796, as it is written in Daniel Clark's (1768-1828) 1789-1828 diary (owned by New Hampshire Historical Society) that Peter II went to Lake Magog in Canada, looking for a place to build a house and settle down.

It is also documented in the diary, that in 1803 and 1809, Daniel journeyed up from New Hampshire to visit Peter II. In his last trip, Daniel brought red lead for Peter II (the same red lead source Daniel was already using in Concord), which shows that he was still practicing in Brownington then. He left the area sometime after 1809, for his name disappeared from all town records (likely returned to Lyndeborough and helped with pottery production there, which is also where he died in 1851).

When Peter II lived in Brownington, he was most assuredly the first, and maybe the only, potter in the area. On the grounds of the Old Stone House Museum, is a foundation, origin unknown, but assumed to be part of Peter Clark II's home. In August 2008, the pond behind the stone foundation was dug for the addition of dry hydrants for the town of Brownington. During this dig, a large amount of clay was unearthed. The presence of clay in the area adds strength to the assumption that Clark established a pottery kiln there in the village (operating circa late-1790s until about 1809)."

I would also like to add that to my knowledge, there is no known archaeology from Peter Clark II's production in Brownington, nor do I know about any existing objects said to have been made by him at this location. But it would appear that he must have fired many kiln loads full of red earthenware seeing that he was in business for at least one decade. Nevertheless, the pot recovered in Brownington could provide a starting point for how his wares appeared at this location, which by the looks of this pot also resemble production from New Hampshire.

Handled Red Earthenware Pot

 19th Century Red Earthenware Handled Pot with a Wonderful Glaze

Stands 10" Tall

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Duane Merrill and Company

 View of the Rim and the Handle

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Duane Merrill and Company

Another View of the Rim and the Handle

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Duane Merrill and Company 

 Another View of the Handle

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Duane Merrill and Company

View of the Base

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Duane Merrill and Company

Handled Red Earthenware Pot Recovered in Northern Vermont

Late-18th/19th Century Red Earthenware Pitcher Recovered in Barton, VT

Possibly Manufactured by Peter Clark II in Brownington, VT

Recovered Within a Circa 1790-1830 Archaeological Context

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Chris Helenek

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