Tim Scarlett's suggestion to meet at Salt Lake City and discuss a
TPQ/Makers' Marks resource on the SHA Webb site is worth considering. I
would participate barring any conflicts.
 
Tim is correct in pointing out the regional specificity of TPQs. The
Lost Towns of Anne Arundel Project in Maryland has found this to be the
case: North Devon earthenwares occurring on 17th-century sites
(comprising up to 80% of a very large assemblage in one case), but
absent on 18th-century sites. Midlands yellow occurs with remarkably
frequencies in one county, but in very small numbers on contemporary
sites in the next county.
 
Documenting the varying frequencies of certain ware-types across a
region could reveal some interesting trade patterns that builds on, and
feeds back on, basic chronological issues.
 
Dealing with makers' marks might be a bit too ambitious for a start, but
listing TPQs for ware-types along with differences by region would be
great. Such a database should promote discussion and sharing.
 
Jim Gibb
The Lost Towns of Anne Arundel Project
Annapolis, MAryland  USA