Bidspirit auction | Stamped ”A. O.” Relief-Molded Redware

Stamped ”A. O.” Relief-Molded Redware Creamer / Small Pitcher, Possibly New England - Stamped ”A. O.” Relief-Molded Redware Creamer / Small Pitcher, Possibly New England Red earthenware with a thick dark streaked/speckled manganese and lead glaze; tall pear-shaped low-bellied octagonal form with curved molded handle and wide octagonal foot. Stamped ”A.O.” to underside. Mid 19th century. Dimensions: 5 1/4” H, 3 1/8” D base. Condition: Excellent condition with a small flake to handle's thumbrest and chipping/roughness to underside of pooled glaze on base corners (some of it as made). Provenance: The Stradling Study Collection. Purchased on 03/10/1969, source not recorded. Catalogue Note: It is not possible to concretely identify the maker of this piece with just two initials, but starting with an ”O” last name, one's thoughts first drift towards the famous Osborn family of Quaker potters. New England redware scholar Justin Thomas has said that the Osborn family was ”New England's largest family of potters”, with ”dozens of names tied in with the potters craft on Boston's North Shore, New Hampshire and throughout New England”. One well-known member of the family was Amos Osborn in South Danvers (now Peabody MA), who had two sons, Amos and Philip. The initials do match those on this creamer, but Amos Sr. died in 1836. Stylistically the piece would seem to date no earlier than the mid 19th century, so if an Amos Osborn was behind it, it must be the younger Amos. Intriguingly, he and his brother Philip were said to have ”deserted the family calling” after their father's death, but the pottery property apparently remained in the Osborn family until the 1860s (Watkins 1950, p. 64). Since it is unclear when exactly the younger Amos gave up potting, he remains one intriguing candidate for the possible maker of this piece. Auctioneer's Note: We are thrilled to bring the Stradling Study Collection to market in partnership with Connor Rush of SFR Antiques, whose help and scholarship enabled the completion of this session's catalogue. A bibliography for the sale can be found here: ( https://bit.ly/3RYodeh ). For questions about lots 1 through 111 in this sale, or for help accessing the bibliography, please reach out to connor@nyeandcompany.com. Condition: Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. We also recommend asking for a shipping quote before bidding. CASH, CASHIER CHECK, MONEY ORDER, AND WIRE TRANSFER ARE THE ONLY METHODS OF PAYMENT ACCEPTED FOR JEWELRY.