Syndicated columnists
There were many small potteries making stoneware and other ceramics for use in the kitchen, bedroom or farm. Most utensils made in America by the 1800s were made with thick pottery sides in simple shapes with almost no decoration.
The most expensive examples collected today have a design or name on the crock to trace for the age and maker. But unsigned pieces are often identified when sold at auctions. That takes an expert; a family legend is not enough.
Conestoga Auction Co. often sells antique and vintage stoneware. Is the side curved or straight? Is there a shaped rim? Is the interior glazed in the same color as the outside or is the inside different? Are there quirks in the shaping of the bottom? These clues can be recognized from a picture, but contact the auction and ask how they knew the maker of the unsigned piece.
Terry and Kim Kovel
This 1-gallon stoneware crock has the impressed mark of Daniel Shenfelder pottery, proving it was made about 1870 in Pennsylvania.
There were many small potteries making stoneware and other ceramics for use in the kitchen, bedroom or farm. Most utensils made in America by the 1800s were made with thick pottery sides in simple shapes with almost no decoration.
The most expensive examples collected today have a design or name on the crock to trace for the age and maker. But unsigned pieces are often identified when sold at auctions. That takes an expert; a family legend is not enough.
Expert eye reveals value of unsigned pottery
Terry Kovel
There were many small potteries making stoneware and other ceramics for use in the kitchen, bedroom or farm. Most utensils made in America by the 1800s were made with thick pottery sides in simple shapes with almost no decoration.
The most expensive examples collected today have a design or name on the crock to trace for the age and maker. But unsigned pieces are often identified when sold at auctions. That takes an expert; a family legend is not enough.
Conestoga Auction Company often sells antique and vintage stoneware. Is the side curved or straight? Is there a shaped rim? Is the interior glazed in the same color as the outside or is the inside different? Are there quirks in the shaping of the bottom? These clues can be recognized from a picture, but contact the auction and ask how they knew the maker of the unsigned piece.
At Treasure Valley Community College, neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail, or even a pandemic can stop us in our mission to serve our students. Your community college continues to be diligent and collaborative in our efforts to reach out to students and Share the TVCC Story with our community!
As we continue to honor National CTE Month, I am always impressed with the exceptional programs we have to offer and the caliber of faculty at TVCC who truly go above and beyond. Thanks to the talent of several staff and faculty on campus, we were able to produce quality and informative videos showcasing programs from Agriculture, Horse Production to Nursing and Cybersecurity. I would encourage everyone to check out these great programs and more at http://bit.ly/3k2nLGt.