Vtg D Delong Redware Pitcher Chester PA 1979 Cope & Chester 1840 Style Pottery

Imagine a piece of art that whispers the secrets of 1840s Pennsylvania. This isn't just a pitcher; it’s a time-traveling vessel. Hand-thrown in 1979 by the renowned artisan D. Delong, this redware masterpiece captures the rugged elegance of Chester County's historic Cope & Chester Co. pottery. With its deep, carbon-black matte finish and hauntingly beautiful primitive silhouette, it commands attention in any room. Whether it's nestled among farmhouse antiques or standing as a bold, dark contrast in a minimalist modern loft, this pitcher carries the weight of history and the touch of a master craftsman.

In-Depth Specs & Features This exceptional piece of studio pottery is a faithful tribute to the mid-19th-century redware tradition. Crafted in Chester, PA, it features a classic bulbous body, a pinched pouring spout, and a sturdy, hand-pulled strap handle that feels substantial in the grip.

• Material: Authentic Pennsylvania Redware Clay.

• Glaze: A sophisticated matte black manganese-style glaze that mimics the weathered patina of century-old basalt ware.

• The Inscription: The most striking feature is the unglazed circular "window" on the side, revealing the raw terracotta-colored clay. It is hand-incised with: "Patterned after Cope & Chester Co., PA pot made by D. circa D. By D. Delong, Chester, PA circa 1840. 1979."

• Measurements: Approximately 6.5 inches tall x 7 inches wide (including handle). Weight: 2 lbs 4 oz.

• Condition: Excellent vintage condition. No chips, cracks, or repairs. The slight irregularities in the glaze and surface are intentional, honoring the primitive firing techniques of the 1840s.

Why This Item Belongs in Your Life For the serious collector of Pennsylvania folk art, this D. Delong pitcher is an essential acquisition. It represents the "Revival Era" of American crafts, where 20th-century masters like Delong preserved the dying techniques of the 1800s. Owning this piece means owning a bridge between generations. As authentic 19th-century redware becomes increasingly locked away in museums and private estates, high-quality studio replicas like this are rapidly appreciating in value. It’s an investment in beauty and a conversation starter that brings a sense of grounded, earthy history to your bookshelf, mantel, or dining table.

Care, Shipping, & Practical Tips Redware is a porous, soulful material. To preserve its stunning matte finish, we recommend dusting with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or immersion in water to protect the hand-incised lettering. Your treasure will be handled with the utmost reverence. We use professional-grade "over-boxing" techniques—wrapping the pitcher in multiple layers of heavy-duty bubble wrap and securing it within a sturdy, crush-resistant box with ample cushioning to ensure it arrives in the same pristine condition it left our studio.

Act Now: FAQs & Final Urge Is this food safe? While crafted as a work of art/replica, we recommend it for decorative use to preserve the glaze. Is the signature authentic? Yes, it is hand-incised by the artist himself. Why buy now? D. Delong’s 1970s works are becoming harder to find as they disappear into permanent collections. This is a singular opportunity to own a piece that is already 47 years old, modeled after a design that is 186 years old. Don't let this slip away to another buyer—once it’s gone, finding another with this specific Cope & Chester provenance is nearly impossible. Add this piece of Chester County history to your collection today

 _gsrx_vers_1730 (GS 9.9.4 (1730))

 _gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))

Item specifics

Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.