Red lead is another name for the powder form of mercury. It was a deep
maroon red.  Once available years ago in hardware stores.  Don't know what
it was used for.  Heat it and it will 'melt' into the silver stuff you are
familiar with.  Don't know what color it produced in a kiln - yellow
(amarillo) I think.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Mary Jane Shaw" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2001 9:17 PM
Subject: PA German Potteries


> I have excavated a late 18th century and possibly early 19th century
> Pennsylvania German pottery site in southwestern Pennsylvania. Am
> currently writing the site report. It was, unfortunately, a salvage
> dig.    Represented on the site were basic utilitarian redware vessels,
> glazed on the interior, a small amount of vessels with glazing on the
> interior and exterior, a very small quantity of slip-decorated redware
> and one experimental, decorative piece. No salt glazing is evidenced.
>         I am seeking information on the types of glazes used, as well as
their
> sources. Lead would have been easily obtainable, but what really is red
> lead? Could the potter have obtained white clay? Many pieces exhibit a
> thin white coating, but no engraving or other applied decoration. I have
> basic general knowledge of potting and glazing, and have consulted Edwin
> Atlee Barber's book regarding Pennsylvania German potters, among others.
> Additionally, I am seeking information about a hard-fired, thin, not
> glazed, redware that I do not think was manufactured here. It may have
> been of English origin. I have read where England did export basic
> redware in this time period. It may have been made in eastern PA by an
> English potter.
>         I welcome all comments and input/direction.
>