10/22/2026
From the Robert Ellison collection (46 lots kicking off our November auction) is this sgraffito plate in immaculate condition, attributed to the Conrad Mumbauer Pottery, Haycock Township, Bucks County, PA, circa 1820s-1830s. Based on its distinctive decoration, this recently-surfaced work is firmly attributed to the pottery of Conrad Mumbauer (1761-1845) and his apprentice-turned-master, John Monday (1809-1862), which they successively operated in Haycock Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania between 1794-1862. A closely-related dish owned by Winterthur Museum and Gardens in Wilmington, Delaware is dated 1832. According to Christopher Malone's 2025 Americana Insights article, "The Potters of Haycock Mountain: Conrad Mumbauer, John Monday, and Simon Signer," the Winterthur example is "the last known dated dish attributed to the pottery" (Malone, p. 141). This plate survives in nearly the same condition in which it was made--a rare opportunity to acquire an example of sgraffito-decorated redware of both exceptional decorative quality and condition. Amazingly, the plate appears essentially unused, retaining a bright interior, lacking knife marks, staining, flakes, or the usual wear of any kind. The only damage to speak of is some minor rim chips. Literature: For related examples, see Malone, "The Potters of Haycock Mountain: Conrad Mumbauer, John Monday, and Simon Singer," Americana Insights 2025, pp. 126-141, closely related example on p. 141. Provenance: Richard Bourne Auctions, Hyannis, MA, 1982; The Estate of Robert A. Ellison, Jr. Diam. 11 1/2".
