Early Redware Apple Butter Jar Breadboard and Cookie Cutters Gathering

Beautiful pieces of redware such as this one sporting a rich and lively orange hue are a primitive staple and can be found in most country homes. These are exciting pieces of pottery to collect because of the diversity they lend not only in color but also in the style of pieces that were created to serve a utilitarian purpose. This special piece of redware was used as an apple butter jar and dates to the 1850 to 1860 period. It most likely has Pennsylvania roots but we can’t rule out New England either. This gathering also comes with a hard to find small breadboard and early cookie cutters too as an added treat!

The redware jar is in good condition without any cracks to report which is really saying a lot of a piece this old. There are some very small areas of redware loss on the pronounced rolled rim, random areas on the body and the lower edge near the bottom. However this does not constitute a spalled appearance by any means.

This piece shows very well and the color is vibrant with tiny dark spots appearing randomly throughout. Gentle crazing along with light scratches on the body constitutes honest and proper wear due to age. I added a piece of civil war era reproduction fabric as a cover which picks up the luscious colors of the jar and tied it in place with wool yarn.

The size of this breadboard is terrific because it is not too large and will fit just about anywhere of your choosing. The breadboard ends are a great attribute and happen to be darker in color so the contrast is a great feature. There is slight separation in the breadboard ends that connect to the one board construction but is to be expected as wood does shrink through the years.

The board has a light surface with dark areas located on the left and right hand side near the ends. Four screws were used to join the ends to the board and there are also some hairline cracks present near these areas. The middle of the board does have a slight dip which is a great feature that tells us this area was worked quite often for possibly kneading dough. This piece may also have been used as a cutting board as there are gentle chop marks present on both sides.

There is just something amazing about old, dark tin when pared up with wood that creates pleasing color values along with great surface textures! This trio of early tinware do just that while boasting interesting shapes that fit well grouped in a cluster. The spade, diamond and heart cutters are actually sandwich cutter’s because of how tall they are and were used to create distinctive shapes when presenting food on the table. They have all aged to perfection though the years and are in good shape! These still can be used as cookie cutters too.

When I offer gatherings for sale, items can certainly be separated and shown individually in your home. My artistic side compels me to create i.e., “hunt and gather” so to speak as this is what I enjoy. This gathering is really special as you are receiving a beautiful array of items that will compliment any kitchen, buttery or cupboard with impressive style and importance! Have fun and enjoy!

Redware Jar stands 4 ½” tall, measures 4” across the top opening and measures almost 3” across the bottom. Breadboard measures 13 ¾” across (widest point), measures 6 ¼” deep (front to back) and is ½” thick. Heart Cutter measures 2 ¾” top opening (Point to top) @ widest point, stands 1 ½” tall and measures 2 ½” across @ the widest point. Spade cutter measures 3” (point to top), 2 ¼” across the top (right to left) @ widest point and is 1 ½” tall. Diamond cutter measures 3 ½” (point to top point), measures 2” across middle opening @ widest point and is a little over 1 ½” tall.