What is a sagger makers bottom knockers?

Question

What is a sagger makers bottom knockers?

Answer 1

A SAGGAR is a fireclay container, usually oval or round, used to protect pottery from marking by flames and smoke during firing in a bottle oven.

The SAGGARMAKER, is a skilled man, producing the finished saggar, using his thumb to make a near join between the side and the base.

The BOTTOM KNOCKER (a young boy) made the base of the saggar from a lump of fireclay which he knocked into a metal ring using a wooden mallet or mawl (pronounced mow).

The FRAME FILLER (a male apprentice) flattened a mass of clay and produced a rectangle which was wrapped round a drum to make the side of the saggar.

The finished saggar was fired in the kiln and lasted for 30 to 40 firings - if they were not broken