Everyone talks about beachcombing for sea glass. How many people get just as excited about sea shards? I do. When I use the term sea shards I am referring to the pottery, porcelain, or china shards that can be found washed up along the New England coast line. Back in 2005 I was inspired by an article I read in the Boston Globe written by Jenna Russell and found myself a new hobby. This article talked about these pieces of the past that wash up on shore and bring us back in time. Since reading this article back in 2005 I can’t set my feet on a beach without beachcombing and hoping to pick up a piece of the past.
Sea shards are detailed with different patterns of flowers, designs, landscapes, figures, identifying markers, colors, and shapes. Each piece tells its own story and shares a historical message. Shipwrecks, dumping from vessels or land these pieces got into the ocean and in many circumstances have been tumbling around and surfing the turbulence of the sea for years. These pieces of history were once items such as china plates, porcelain bowls, tiles, or containers that served a purpose in the past.
I have come across a number of pieces in close proximity to one another. However, in my searches I have never come across two pieces that match. I find the best time to beach comb is after a Nor’easter or a storm that is windy enough to knock items that sit on the ocean’s floor up to the surface and allow the waves to carry them to shore. Some items have dates and places of origin on the back.
Sometimes they are not legible due to nature’s wear and tear. Most of the pieces I have come across appear to be from the turn of the century.
Sometimes they are not legible due to nature’s wear and tear. Most of the pieces I have come across appear to be from the turn of the century.
One of my favorite prized possessions is a piece of a large marmalade container dating back to 1862 from London. It was found when my friend Emily and I were quohogging off a sand bar in Maine. She was kind enough to let me keep it for my collection. I have found the most luck in areas close to harbors. Boston Harbor, Scituate Harbor, Truro and Provincetown coastlines, and Casco Bay(ME) are some of the areas I have had the most luck. The beach of course is the place to look but also check out sandbars. Sometimes you think your toe brushed against a rock or a clam and it could be a piece of history. I have found some great sea shards in Scituate after the big storms. To me sea shards are a hobby, a party of history, and part of my home décor. Picking up the past is something I look forward to after each Scituate storm.
