Advice on restoring ancient clay pot

[Tnmountains]

I was given a large container full of broken pottery years ago. It came out of Kentucky by the looks of it. It appears that there may be a whole pot or two in there. I have watched just a few ancient restoration videos on youtube. I see that several large pieces fit but am afraid to just start glueing it up as I might miss on the original shape. I have seen masking tape used also to hold together and in the correct shape before gluing.
Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with this?
I thought at some point I would post the pieces and document the restoration here. But want to gather all the knowledge I can before proceeding.
Thanks for any help and feel free to post away any ideas.

 

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[Kantuckkeean]

You might message Monsterrack if he doesn’t see this. I’m sure that he’d have some helpful advice.

Kindest regards,
Kantuck

 

[Tnmountains]

You might message Monsterrack if he doesn’t see this. I’m sure that he’d have some helpful advice.

Kindest regards,
Kantuck

Good call Kantuck. I think there are probably several out there. Or maybe someone finds some links I have not seen. It will be fun to try. Speaking of fun got the boat hitched and heading out for some fresh fish.
Thanks for the reply.

 

[H.P.]

I’m gonna give you expert advice about glueing pottery.....#1, take a couple of pieces, glue em, don’t think about whole pots...when you’ve glued a few of those two sided ones, glue another piece on em, now you have threesomes, get the idea and now you have a plan ....Because you will be using Duco cement you don’t have to fear making a mistake...nothing will be glued that can’t be softened for an adjustment of curves and fit with Acetone.....I know what I’m talking about, I have thousands of hours of experience restoring Florida pottery..I’m also a commercial artis, can even help with aging and painting restored areas, if that’s the way you prefer to go. ....Get going you’ll be fine.. keep me posted in my PM and I’ll be willing to walk you through everything involved, ..Each pot is different and methods of making forms, strengthening open areas, and such sometimes requires different methods, I think I’ve run into all the problems you’re likely to encounter
..Nuff for now...

 

[Tnmountains]

Thank you so much. i never considered duco cement and you are right about the acetone. I have already placed several large pieces together and think I might have a whole one. It is worth the effort.
I will start a new thread when I pull it out and make room for the assemblage. Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Tnmountains]

Oh yeah and here is dinner for tomorrow night. I split the catch with my fishing buddy. I have a most excellent recipe for them.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Nice catch, you going to use mustard batter?

 

[Tdog]

Oh yeah and here is dinner for tomorrow night. I split the catch with my fishing buddy. I have a most excellent recipe for them.

View attachment 1922851

Nice catch of Bluegill (Coppernose ?). I have a pond stocked with those. Try this dry batter sometime (Louisiana Fish Fry)...

https://pikeplacefish.goldbelly.com/louisiana-fish-fry

 

[joshuaream]

Nice fish!I find the places where I have messed up are on the sides or towards the rim if I don't align the pieces correctly.

When I can I usually start getting the rim together and getting it back to what is usually a circle/oval shape. A little tray with sand can help stabilize pieces, just keep the sand away from the glue or it's messy. I've also used a balloon before to hold up small pieces of the base if it's really shattered.

If the pieces are big enough, and I know the pottery type well, I lay the pieces out like an open flower and then I use a spot of superglue and work fast. Wipe the edges with a bit of acetone to clean up any overflow.

If it's crumbly material or worn edges, you might need to use a thicker glue like duco. I generally avoid Elmer's white glue, but will occasionally use it if I need to fill in little pieces or cracks where the edge is worn.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Watch this video, will give you some ideas.

 

[Tnmountains]

Nice catch, you going to use mustard batter?

Yes mustard binder and white or yellow cormeal. Recipe from Hook city on Youtube.

 

[Tnmountains]

Nice catch of Bluegill (Coppernose ?). I have a pond stocked with those. Try this dry batter sometime (Louisiana Fish Fry)...

https://pikeplacefish.goldbelly.com/louisiana-fish-fry

one is a Long ear the others are Dollar sunfish. I am always open to new recipes for fish and game will check it out. Thanks!

 

[Tnmountains]

Nice fish!I find the places where I have messed up are on the sides or towards the rim if I don't align the pieces correctly.

When I can I usually start getting the rim together and getting it back to what is usually a circle/oval shape. A little tray with sand can help stabilize pieces, just keep the sand away from the glue or it's messy. I've also used a balloon before to hold up small pieces of the base if it's really shattered.

If the pieces are big enough, and I know the pottery type well, I lay the pieces out like an open flower and then I use a spot of superglue and work fast. Wipe the edges with a bit of acetone to clean up any overflow.

If it's crumbly material or worn edges, you might need to use a thicker glue like duco. I generally avoid Elmer's white glue, but will occasionally use it if I need to fill in little pieces or cracks where the edge is worn.

I like the idea of starting at the rim. That helps me a lot. Thank you

 

[Tnmountains]

Ok this pottery idea is a no go. There are parts of multiple pots in there but not enough rimes to even get started. I have matched a few pieces. Some interesting stuff for sure but not worth the effort.Even have some pieces of a large soap stone bowl. 20 lbs total. Looks like most of it is Tn pottery with some Ky pottery mixed in.At least now I know.

 

[H.P.]

Yeah, I believe you’re right, you need at least 1/2, preferably 3/4 of a pot to stay motivated, stuff with designs helps with motivation, Then several nice pieces glued together makes a nice display piece...