A Recently Discovered 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug that Appears to Have Been Made at the Cain Pottery in Sullivan County, Tennessee

History of the Cain Pottery in Sullivan County, TN
According to Case Antiques in Knoxville, Tennessee, "Born in 1782, Leonard Cain started the Cain Pottery in Blountville, Tennessee (Sullivan County). It is believed that he had migrated from the Valley of Virginia. Sullivan County deed records place him in the area no later than 1814. Leonard's sons, Abraham B. Cain and William Cain were also potters - and, William Cain's son, Martin Cain continued the pottery until the early 1900s. Martin represented the last of the Cain dynasty. The Wolford and Henshaw families were married to members of the Cain family, and they also assisted in the pottery operation.

Although the Cain Pottery was in operation for more than 75 years, the pottery forms changed little, if any, over this period. Indeed, once the dangers became well known about lead glazes, many potters converted to stoneware production. However, it appears that the Cains were producing red earthenware forms until at least 1897 (latest dated piece).

Perhaps the glaze most identified with the Cain Pottery was a lead glazed body with manganese splotching, resembling some red earthenware from Connecticut and Long Island. But additional glazes include manganese and iron oxide glazes, where the earliest glazes appear to have been made from iron oxide. Copper oxide glazes do not appear to have been used at the pottery until the late nineteenth century.

Many Cain pieces also consist of incised decoration that include banded rows of two, three and four lines that were applied in both straight and wavy techniques.

The fired clay bodies are invariably reddish-orange in appearance. This was the result of a lower firing temperature and higher iron content in the clay. 

The handles on Cain pieces were almost of always the extruded (ribbed) type with finger print(s) or impressions found at the handle terminals.

It has become readily apparent after examining sherd evidence from the pottery site that the Cains experimented with other glazes not (commonly?) seen within the region or even in the American south. Gold streaks have been observed on a couple of pitchers and jugs (see newly discovered jug below) that has yet to be identified by the glaze that produced it. Other pieces have a yellow-brown speckled glaze that was previously unknown to be produced by the Cains." 

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Newly Discovered Red Earthenware Jug
I was lucky to have just acquired this large (11 1/2" tall) nineteenth century red earthenware jug that I believe was made at the Cain Pottery in Sullivan County, Tennessee. The rim on this jug is nearly identical to a rim found on a jug that sold in 2012 at Case Antiques in Knoxville, Tennessee, which was attributed to the Cain Pottery (see below). The handle terminal is also marked with three finger impressions, which is identical to another jug that sold at Case Antiques in 2015 that was also attributed to the Cain Pottery (see below).

Interestingly, this jug was just discovered in Arkansas, which is a neighboring state to Tennessee. But this jug is also decorated with bold streaks of gold - these streaks appear to be the same characteristic that was just described above about the archaeology uncovered at the Cain Pottery site. It was written, "Gold streaks have been observed on a couple of pitchers and jugs (sherds recovered at the Cain Pottery site) that has yet to be identified by the glaze that produced it."

Unfortunately, these are the only pictures that I currently have access to for this jug, but as soon as it arrives, I will post another article with more pictures. I also do not have a picture that shows all three finger impressions on the handle. I only have a side shot that shows two of them - and, as a result, I chose to hold off on posting that picture. But I will post a complete straight on shot of the handle soon.

Note: Here is a link to an article that was published in 'Antiques and the Arts Weekly' in August 2010 that focused on the latest research in nineteenth-century East Tennessee pottery. Here is also a link to a two volume book that was published in 2011 by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, which covers the production of all types of pottery in Tennessee, circa 1790s to 1950.

Large Red Earthenware Jug Recently Found in Arkansas

 Large 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to the Cain Pottery in East Tennessee

Stands 11 1/2" Tall

The Extruded or Ribbed Handle and Rim are Very Similar to the First Jug Shown Below

The Handle is Marked with Three Finger Impressions Which Match the Second Jug Shown Below

See Article for More Information

 Another View of the Jug
The Gold Streaks Appear to Be Related to the Archaeology Mentioned in the Article
See Article for More Information

 Another View of the Jug

View of the Extruded or Ribbed Handle and Rim 

View of the Incised Lines

See Article for More Information About this Pottery's Use of Banded Lines

View of the Base

See Article for More Information About the Clay Color

East Tennessee Jug with a Similar Rim and Extruded or Ribbed Handle

19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to the Cain Pottery in East Tennessee

The Rim is a Near Exact Match to the Jug Discussed Above

The Extruded or Ribbed Handle is Very Similar to the Jug Discussed Above

 Stands 7 3/4" Tall
Sold in 2012
See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Case Antiques - Knoxville, TN

 Another View of the Jug and the Handle
This Handle is Marked with a Single Finger Impression
See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Case Antiques - Knoxville, TN

View of the Base

Photo Courtesy: Case Antiques - Knoxville, TN

East Tennessee Jug with Three Matching Finger Impressions

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jug Attributed to the Cain Pottery in East Tennessee

 Stands 7 1/4" Tall
Sold in 2015

Photo Courtesy: Case Antiques - Knoxville, TN

View of Three Finger Impressions on the Handle

The Jug Discussed Above is Marked with the Same Three Finger Impressions

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Case Antiques - Knoxville, TN

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

Two Examples of Red Earthenware that are Currently on Display at the Discovery Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire

I wrote in my most recent article, 'A Pioneering Potter: Samuel Marshall of Portsmouth, New Hampshire,' which was published in the April 2017 edition of the 'New England Antiques Journal,' "Despite its thriving import trade, Portsmouth also managed to sustain a market for locally produced red earthenware. At least four businesses fed this market: Samuel Marshall, who operated before 1750; John Shilabur, who is listed as a potter in 1766; Winthrop Bennett, who ran a shop from 1789-1796; and Joseph Dodge, who purchased Bennett's company in 1796, and continued to operate a successful business into the nineteenth century."

I have previously written about the Dodge Pottery; although, this is not a business that is widely know today despite a significant output. Nevertheless, I hope to write an article about this company's production later this year for possible publication in 2018. There is a large collection of  archaeology from the site of the Dodge Pottery that I hope to study that is owned by Strawbery Banke in Portsmouth today.

Yesterday, I visited a wonderful exhibit at the Portsmouth Discovery Center, 'Four Centuries of Furniture in Portsmouth.' I was definitely surprised to see two examples of red earthenware on display that had been loaned by the Portsmouth Historical Society - both of these objects also retain a strong history of ownership in Portsmouth.

The jar is a great survivor and a wonderful example of domestic utilitarian red earthenware, as a result of its size, form, color, incised decoration and unusual handles. This may have been produced locally, and it may have even been made at the Dodge Pottery. There are definitely some Essex County, Massachusetts characteristics that can be seen in this jar - but the Dodge Pottery originated in Exeter, New Hampshire, which was a location that also had direct ties to Essex County.

Basically, milk pans were produced everywhere in New England; however, the rim on this milk pan is similar to other milk pan rims that I have seen recovered in early nineteenth century archaeological contexts in Portsmouth. This type of wide rim is also often associated with nineteenth century red earthenware potters in Vermont today - but this is also a very unusual characteristic to find on red earthenware from this part of coastal central and northern New England. I have yet to prove any type of attribution; although, this pan may have also been made at the Dodge Pottery.

Note: Here is a link to my most recent published article that highlights the work of Samuel Marshall, who was Portsmouth, New Hampshire's first known red earthenware potter in the early-to-mid eighteenth century.

'Four Centuries of Furniture in Portsmouth, NH' Exhibit

Red Earthenware On Display in 'Four Centuries of Furniture in Portsmouth, NH' Exhibit

The Pottery Sits on Top of an Important Early Cupboard Likely Made in Kittery, ME

These Chairs are Known as 'Whale Tail' Chairs Due to the Form of the Crest

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Discovery Center

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar

Probably 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar with a History of Ownership in Portsmouth, NH

Possibly Made in Portsmouth, NH

See Article For More Information

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

Another View of the Jar

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

 View of One of the Unusual Handles

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

Another View of One of the Handles

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

19th Century Red Earthenware Milk Pan

 Probably 19th Century Red Earthenware Pan with a History of Ownership in Portsmouth, NH

Possibly Made in Portsmouth, NH

Similar Wide Rims are Attributed to Vermont Today

This is a Rare Style of Rim to Find in this Part of New England

But This Form of Rim has also Been Found Archaeologically in Portsmouth, NH

See Article For More Information

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

 Another View of the Pan

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

View of the Side of the Pan

Photo Courtesy: Portsmouth, NH Historical Society 

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

George W. Wiggin's 19th Century Ditching Plow and Red Earthenware Drain Tile in Exeter, New Hampshire

On June 7, 1864, George W. Wiggin from Exeter, New Hampshire published a letter informing the public about a patent that he had obtained for an improved ditch digging machine that he called a "Ditching-Plow." I have posted this letter below; although it is difficult to read. But what I find interesting about this ditch digging machine is the fact that Wiggin was also manufacturing red earthenware drain tile in Exeter, which I assume was mostly made for the local market in the 1800s. This drain tile was similar to other red earthenware drain tile that was produced by the Osborn family in Peabody, Massachusetts, as well as the Thomas Crafts Pottery in Whately, Massachusetts in the nineteenth-century.

An example of Wiggin's drain tile is owned by the New Hampshire Historical Society in Concord, New Hampshire, which was reportedly found in a farm field in Exeter. However, I also wonder how much of this type of nineteenth-century drain tile is excavated by construction crews today and discarded without giving it a second thought.

Note: Here is also a link to an article that I recently posted about the archaeology of the Hilfinger Pottery in Fort Edward, New York - red earthenware drain tile was also excavated at this site, where these artifacts are currently owned by the New York State Museum in Albany, New York.

George W. Wiggin Drain Tile

19th Century Red Earthenware Drain Tile

Attributed to George H. Wiggin Exeter, NH

Reportedly Found in a Farm Field in Exeter, NH

Circa 1870-1890

Measures 12 1/4" Long by 3 1/4" Wide by 4" High 

Photo Courtesy: New Hampshire Historical Society - Concord, NH

George W. Wiggin's Ditching-Plow Patent Letter

G. W. WIGGIN. Ditching Plow.

Patented June` 7, 1864.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

GEORGE W. VVIGGIN, OF EXETER, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

IMPROVED DlTCHlNG-MACHINE.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 43,060, dated June 7, 1864.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE W. WIGGIN, of Exeter, in the county of Rockingham and State of New Hampshire, have invented a new and useful Machine for Forming Ditches for Drainage and other Purposes; and I do hereby declare that the following, when taken in connection with the drawings which accompany and form part of this specification, is a description of my said invention sufficiently full and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice it.

The nature of my invention consists in organizing or combining together knives or cutters which cut the bottom and sides of the ditch, a peculiarly-formed incline which elevates the soil to be removed from its normal position, another incline which gives the soil to be removed a side-wise direction, a means for gaging the depth of cut, and a guide which moves upon the bottom surface of the cut, so that all together form a ditching machine or plow which, in its onward passage and at one cut or operation, forms a deep and well-defined groove in the soil and deposits the portion displaced at a suitable distance from the edge or side of said groove or ditch.

In the drawings, Figure l represents a side view of a ditching-plow embodying my invention, and Fig. 2 is a front end view of the same. The foundation or sole plate is marked P, and is of the width of the bottom of the ditch intended to be formed.

Above the bed plate, and joined thereunto at its front end, is the mold-board, (marked M,) which at said end is brought to an edge and shod with metal in front, so as to constitute the knife marked K, which cuts the bottom of the ditch, said mold-board rising from the plane of the sole-plate on any suitable angle-say about twenty five degrees. This mold-board twists or turns to one side as it rises from the plane formed by the movement of the knife K, care being taken, however, that the outer edge of the mold-board M shall not extend beyond the plane in which the side cutter, C, is located, except at such part of the length of the mold-board M as rises above the surface of the ground operated upon. The front end of the mold-board is in a horizontal plane; but from this end to the rear it is twisted till at the rear end there is a considerably greater elevation of M at its inner than at its outer edge, which inclination facilitates the falling of from said mold-board upon .the surface to the ground the soil which it elevated. The inclination of the mold-board M to one side should be sufficient to overhang the edge of the ditch some convenient distance say about eighteen inches.

From the mold-board M, rising from it at its front end, on of the angle the cutter C', is a guard or fender, which acts to give a side movement to the soil elevated on and by M and to prevent it from falling oft' from M into the excavation made, M being curved side-wise to conform to the side-wise curvature to M. The pieces marked T are framed into the sole-plate on the angles of the sides of the ditch, which are those of the side cutters, C C', and serve, together With the sole-plate, to guide and steady the plow while in the act of operating to form a ditch, the sole-plate bearing on the bottom and the side pieces T taking a bearing on the sides of the ditch. The uprights 1 and 2 are also framed into the sole-plate, and serve to support at a suitable distance above it the draft-beam B, which I prefer to have set on an angle upward, from front to rear of the sole-plate, of about twelve degrees.

At the front end of the draft-beam and extending across it on either side are cross-pieces, (marked 1,) to which side beams marked S are framed. The cutters which form the sides of the ditch extend from the outer corners of knife -K upward and forward to the sides of beams S, to which they are secured, their forward inclination being about an angle of forty degrees, and their side-wise inclination being about twenty-two degrees outward from the perpendicular.

The cross-beam L, which connects the rear pieces T, extends beyond the plow on one side, so as to form a lever, by which the plow may be in some degree controlled by hand. Straps of metal marked B are also so arranged as to stiffen the side cutters and the side beams.

The fender marked D is a cross-bar under and fastened to the front of the side beams, S, and when the plow is in motion may rest upon the ground or upon a plank placed on the surface of the ground, or the plank may be secured to the machine and drag upon the sole-plate, P, mold-boards M M', curved and inface of the ground, inclined as set forth, cutters C, C', and K, and Wheels or rollers might be used, instead of beams S S and fender D, or their equivalents. 

The devices named, to keep the plow from substantially as and for the purpose herein deterring too deeply into the soil, but as these scribed. embed in most soils where this plow is appli- GEORGE W. WIGGIN. cable, I prefer to use the plank as described. 

Witnesses:

1 claim- .IHos. GoNNER, In ditching-plows, the combination of a sole- CHARLES H. BELL.

Sketch of George H. Wiggin's Ditching-Plow

Sketch of G.W. Wiggin Ditching Plow

Patented in Exeter, NH on June 7, 1864

Photo Courtesy: USPTO Patent Database

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

The Antique Shows in Brimfield, Massachusetts: Day 2, May 2017

Here is another quick recap about my second day picking the antique shows in Brimfield, Massachusetts - these objects were found yesterday. I have included information about each object in the captions.

It is certainly debatable, but my favorite find is possibly a late nineteenth-century earthenware bulldog growler with a Rockingham type glaze that is similar to an object, which is attributed to the Thomas Haig Pottery that is owned by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Although, the bulldog that I found yesterday stands larger than the museum's example by almost one inch. This is always a form that I have wanted to own, but I have never had the opportunity to handle one of these bulldog pitchers before.

Interestingly, the term "growler" was a slang term for a beer container when this object was created. I was also told that it was recently found in a house in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Note: I have included pictures of each of the following objects in both indoor and outdoor lighting.

1) 19th Century Earthenware Bulldog Formed Pitcher

Outdoor Lighting

19th Century Earthenware Bulldog Growler Attributed to the Haig Pottery in Philadelphia

Decorated with a Rockingham Type Glaze

"Growler" is a Slang Term for a Been Container

Circa Late 19th Century 

Stands 9 1/8" Tall

Reportedly Found in a House in Lancaster, PA

Here is a Link to a Similar Object that is Owned by the Philadelphia Museum of Art

Here is also a Link to the Philadelphia Museum of Art's Collection of Haig Pottery

Indoor Lighting

 View of One Side of the Bulldog Growler

 View of the Bulldog's Face

 Another View of the Bulldog Growler

View of the Base

2) 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar or Vase

Outdoor Lighting

19th Century Red Earthenware Jar or Vase Attributed to Maine

There are a Small Number of these Forms Known Today in Private New England Collections

Circa 1820-1880

Stands 7 3/8" Tall

Recently Found in Southern Maine

Indoor Lighting

Another View of the Jar or Vase

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

The Antique Shows in Brimfield, Massachusetts: Day 1, May 2017

Tonight, I would like to quickly show the red earthenware that I picked today at the various antique shows in Brimfield, Massachusetts. My favorite picks include an extremely rare glazed red earthenware jug attributed to the William Pecker Pottery in Merrimacport, Massachusetts, as well as a rare miniature harvest jug that may have been used to feed children in the 1800s.

Note: I have included information about each object in the captions.

1) Red Earthenware Jug

Early 19th Century Jug Attributed to William Pecker Pottery - Merrimacport, Mass.

I Have Never Seen this Glaze from the Pecker Pottery Before

Circa 1790-1820

Stands 8 7/8" Tall

Reportedly Found in Western Massachusetts

 Another View of the Jug

 View of the Handle

2) Miniature Red Earthenware Harvest Jug

 19th Century Miniature Harvest Jug Possibly Used for Feeding a Child

Possibly Made in Mass., Connecticut or Pennsylvania

Stands 5 3/8" Tall

Reportedly Found in Newton, Massachusetts

 Another View of the Jug

3) Red Earthenware Jar

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to Western New York

Circa 1820-1860

Stands 9 7/8" Tall

Reportedly Found in Ohio

View of One Handle

4) Red Earthenware Jar

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Attributed to the Abner S. White Pottery - West Sterling, MA

Circa 1860

Stands 9 1/8" Tall

Reportedly Found in Connecticut

View of One Handle

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

A 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar from Maine that Appeared Last Weekend at a Stoneware Sale in Bennington, Vermont

Last week, the Stoneware Collector's Group held its semi-annual meeting in Bennington, Vermont; although, the highlight of the event for many was probably Brandt Zipp, a partner at Crocker Farm in Maryland, who spoke about the early Manhattan stoneware potters, as well as a behind the scenes visit to see Adam Weitsman's stoneware collection at the New York State Museum's storage facility in Albany, New York.

I have never attended this event, but I have heard it is a spectacular experience, which is orchestrated twice a year by North Granby, Connecticut antique dealers, Stephen and Lorraine German.

But another aspect of this event that always generates a lot of excitement is the stoneware sale that is held in front of the Camelot Village Antiques Center in Bennington, Vermont. Stoneware dealers from all over the country come together and offer their latest pickings and inventory for sale in this field. I have also heard this event described as a stoneware flea market, where one stoneware collector recently called it, "The world's greatest flea market."

However, red earthenware can also occasionally be found at the stoneware sale - and, that was the case last weekend when this wonderful nineteenth-century red earthenware jar was purchased by Brookfield, Massachusetts antiques dealer, Kris Cassuci. This jar was brought to Bennington by a Cape Cod antiques dealer, which is also presumably where the jar was discovered.

I have a special interest with this jar since I believe it was made in the North Yarmouth, Maine potter's industry, circa 1800-1860. I have written extensively about this industry on this website, where I have also explained how this type of form can be directly linked to North Yarmouth today. The attribution is based on the overall form of the jar, the rim, the base with no foot and the partial exterior glaze. I have also seen this style of jar recovered in archaeological contexts in the North Yarmouth area, which I have also previously written about.

Traditionally, these formed jars came with and without lids. The jars that were produced with a lid were normally made with an incised number on the base, whereas, the original lid also exhibited a matching incised number.

Note: A few months ago, I submitted an article about the eighteenth and nineteenth-century North Yarmouth, Maine potter's industry for publication. The article took a few years of research in order to write - I will post more information about this article once I hear about a potential publication date.

Red Earthenware Jar Found in Bennington, VT

 19th Century Red Earthenware Jar Likely Made in the North Yarmouth, ME Potter's Industry

Circa 1800-1860

See Article For More Information

Photo Courtesy: Kris Casucci - Brookfield, MA

View of the Finger Prints on the Jar

 Photo Courtesy: Kris Casucci - Brookfield, MA

 View of the Base with No Foot

Photo Courtesy: Kris Casucci - Brookfield, MA

Another View of the Base

Photo Courtesy: Kris Casucci - Brookfield, MA

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

A Few Dozen Roof Tiles Found in the Josiah Worthen House in Amesbury, Massachusetts

I was recently riding my bike past this house in Amesbury, Massachusetts when I realized that a rock wall in front of the home was partially covered with an intriguing group of artifacts. The house was built circa 1793 by Josiah Worthen, a local shipwright; however, I was surprised when I saw a few dozen earthenware roof tiles on the rock wall.

The homeowners told me that they found the tiles in the basement - and, they thought the tiles may have been originally used on the home's roof.

I immediately thought about the William Pecker Pottery and the Chase Pottery, which operated a little over one mile away from this location in the late eighteenth and nineteenth-centuries. Interestingly, Pecker's business was also in full operation when this house was built in 1793; although, I do not have definitive proof that this is where these tiles were made. But I thought it was still an interesting fact to share.

Nonetheless, the remains of red earthenware roof tiles have been found elsewhere in Massachusetts in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth-centuries. They have been recovered in archaeological contexts in Charlestown, Massachusetts, Salem, Massachusetts, Boston and Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I also believe that all of these tiles were made locally and the production may have originally begun in Charlestown in the 1600s before it was later adopted by other potters in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth-centuries. But it should also be noted that roof tiles could have easily been shipped to Boston, Cambridge and Salem from Charlestown.

Earthenware Roof Tiles Found in Amesbury, Mass.

 Josiah Worthen House in Amesbury, Mass.

Circa 1793

Worthen was a Local Shipwright

 Earthenware Roof Tiles Found in the Josiah Worthen House in Amesbury, Mass.

  Earthenware Roof Tiles Found in the Josiah Worthen House in Amesbury, Mass.

  Earthenware Roof Tiles Found in the Josiah Worthen House in Amesbury, Mass.

 Earthenware Roof Tiles Found in the Josiah Worthen House in Amesbury, Mass.

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