Ohio Find: 19th Century Textured Red Earthenware Toothpick Holder

Yesterday in Ohio, a friend came across this nineteenth century red earthenware, hand-modeled toothpick holder. Its applied clay texture matches a style seen at the Speese Pottery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: https://www.crockerfarm.com/stoneware-auction/2012-11-03/lot-80/Rare-Ornamental-Redware-Jug-Stamped-SPEESE-SON-GETTYSBURG-PA/.

For a brief history: The Speese Pottery was a nineteenth century family-run red earthenware workshop on Seminary Ridge in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, operated by Henry Speese and his son, Charles. The shop transitioned from utilitarian items like crocks and drainage pipes to novelty tourist souvenirs crafted from clay sourced directly from the local Civil War battlefield.

Note: A miniature souvenir jug made at the Speese Pottery recently sold at Gehman Auctions in Pennsylvania: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/244302721_miniature-redware-jug-gettysburg-july-1-2-3-62-ephrata-pa.

19th Century Red Earthenware Toothpick Holder

Found Yesterday in Ohio

See Article for More Information

Photo Courtesy: Private Collection

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