Description:
Red earthenware clay dish in two parts, the lid is a double walled vessel having a round dome shape with a circular spout at the top, the lid is hollow, and the lower edge of lid has small notches , stamped into the side of the lid is the inscription, “H & T BENSEL./POTTERY./1708 Sth 2nth PHILA.PA.” and “CAVEAT FILE”; the base is circular dish with a round flat bottom, canted sides, slightly cupped rim, shallow dished area in the interior, base is hollow, object is unglazed. Henry Bensel was part of a family of potters in Philadelphia in the 1870s. Henry & Thomas, his brother, were only partners in 1878, according to the Philadelphia directories and their address was 1708 South 2nd Street, which matches the address on the cover. Before that, Henry was either working alone or with a few other brothers, including Thomas. After 1878, he moved to the Camden area and continued working there, while Thomas left the business altogether. By the way, they were listed variously as potters, terracotta makers or turners in the directories. According to ceramics expert and dealer Lorraine German, she believes that this covered dish was used for cooking.

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https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2014.4.148

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