Michael Lehr Antiques
Live Auction

June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction

Wed, Jun 24, 2026 11:00AM EDT
  2026-06-24 11:00:00 2026-06-24 11:00:00 America/New_York Michael Lehr Michael Lehr : June 2026 Vernacular Photo History Auction https://auction.michaellehrantiques.com/auctions/michael-lehr-antiques/june-2026-vernacular-photo-history-auction-23574
Our June 2026 auction presents a focused and exceptional selection of historical photographs spanning the 1840s through the early twentieth century, with unusual depth in named subjects, rare formats, and documented provenance anchored by strong vernacular material that rewards close looking.
Michael Lehr Antiques info@michaellehrantiques.com
Lot 597

Pitcher, Clifton Pottery, Indian Ware, Spiral Fret

Estimate: $100 - $200
Starting Bid
$50

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$100 $10
$200 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $5,000
$10,000 $1,000
$20,000 $2,000
$50,000 $5,000
A flattened, oval bodied pitcher from Clifton Pottery's Indian Ware line combines a long tapering spout with an arched loop handle. The exterior is finished in matte red clay decorated with a bold black painted spiral fret design, while the interior is covered in a glossy dark glaze. The piece was produced in Newark, New Jersey, during the line's brief run between 1905 and 1911.

A wide black band encircles the body, containing a large rectangular spiral that winds inward toward a central point. Smaller square spirals of the same form flank the central motif near the spout and handle. The spout tapers to a narrow point, while the loop handle curves back toward the body in a single smooth arc. The mouth opens into the glossy dark interior glaze, visible just below the rim.

Clifton's Indian Ware designs were adapted from prehistoric Southwest pottery, where spiral and scroll motifs of this kind appear frequently in geometric decoration. The line was produced by William A. Long and chemist Fred Tschirner before the company shifted to tile production in 1911, making surviving examples relatively scarce.

The base is incised 27536E.

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