How to Date Van Briggle Pottery
Dating Van Briggle Pottery can be challenging due to inconsistent bottom markings and variations in clay color and texture.
However, there are certain periods in the company’s history when specific markings and characteristics can help determine the age of the pottery.
Between 1900 and early 1907, Van Briggle Pottery had clear markings including the logo, Van Briggle, date, shape number, and Roman numerals.
From late 1907 to 1912, the pottery was marked with “Van Briggle,” “Colo Spgs” or “Colorado Springs,” finisher numbers, and the design number.
Between 1913 and 1919, the pottery was typically marked with the double A logo and the date.
In the 1920s, the pottery was characterized by sandy-colored clay with a grainy appearance or buff bottom, and marked with VAN BRIGGLE and COLO SPGS.
From 1922 to 1926, pieces were marked with USA.
After 1920, dating Van Briggle Pottery became more challenging due to inconsistent bottom markings and clay.
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Did You Know?
1. Van Briggle Pottery was founded in 1901 by Anne Gregory Van Briggle in Colorado Springs, making it one of the oldest art potteries in the United States.
2. The distinctive matte glaze used in Van Briggle Pottery was developed by Artus Van Briggle, Anne’s husband and the chief designer of the company. He perfected the formula, known as “Van Briggle’s Mulberry,” which features a beautiful blend of purples and blues.
3. Van Briggle Pottery is known for its nature-inspired designs, particularly the use of flora and fauna motifs. One of the most popular designs was the “Lorelei Vase,” which featured a graceful mermaid figure wrapped around a vase.
4. Van Briggle Pottery gained international recognition when it received a gold medal at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. This prestigious accolade brought the pottery to the attention of art collectors and enthusiasts from around the world.
5. Contrary to popular belief, not all Van Briggle Pottery is signed. While many pieces are marked with the company’s logo and initials, some earlier pieces were left unsigned or had a paper label that has since deteriorated or been lost over time. These unsigned pieces pose a challenge for collectors and require a discerning eye to identify them accurately.
Introduction To Van Briggle Pottery And Its History
Van Briggle Pottery, founded by American artist Artus Van Briggle, holds a significant place in the history of American art pottery. Established in 1899 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, it is one of the oldest art pottery companies still producing pieces today. Van Briggle Pottery was known for its exceptional pottery glazes, particularly those inspired by the Chinese Ming Dynasty matt glazes.
Artus Van Briggle, a talented artist and sculptor, paid great attention to detail and craftsmanship. He dedicated himself to perfecting his pottery glaze recipes, and by 1900, he had achieved remarkable success in replicating the Chinese Ming Dynasty matt glazes. This achievement set Van Briggle Pottery apart and contributed to its continued popularity.
Van Briggle pottery was produced in both molds and hand-formed pieces. The company offered a wide variety of exquisite pottery items ranging from:
- bowls
- vases
- pots
- figurals
- lamps
- paperweights
- bookends
- flower frogs
- tiles
The pottery’s early production showcased a palette of greens, blues, browns, and reds, while later productions introduced colors such as yellows, maroons, whites, and turquoise. Today, Van Briggle Pottery is well-known for its high-gloss browns, blacks, and grays.
Notable artists associated with Van Briggle Pottery include:
- Ambrose Schlegel
- Clement Hull
- Fred Wills
Their contributions to the company’s artistic legacy have ensured its lasting impact on the art pottery world. Sadly, the Van Briggle Art Pottery Company closed its doors permanently around 2014, marking the end of an era in American art pottery.
Challenges In Dating Van Briggle Pottery
Dating Van Briggle Pottery can be a challenging task due to various factors, including inconsistent bottom markings and variations in clay color and texture. However, by understanding the different markings and characteristics associated with specific time periods of production, collectors and enthusiasts can gain insight into the age of their Van Briggle pieces.
One of the significant challenges in dating Van Briggle Pottery is the inconsistency in bottom markings. Van Briggle Pottery employed a range of markings throughout its production history, making it difficult to pinpoint the precise age of a particular piece. Additionally, variations in clay color and texture can further complicate the dating process.
Despite these challenges, Van Briggle Pottery does offer some clues for dating purposes. Notable periods in the company’s history include:
- 1900-1907: This period introduces unique markings and characteristics that can aid in determining the age of a piece.
- 1907-1919: Another significant time frame with its own distinct markings and characteristics.
- 1920 onwards: Marks a shift in Van Briggle Pottery’s production history, introducing new elements that can help date a piece.
Using these periods as reference points, collectors and enthusiasts can narrow down the possible age range of their Van Briggle Pottery.
Clear Markings: 1900-1907
Between 1900 and early 1907, Van Briggle Pottery used clear and distinct bottom markings to identify their pieces. These markings included the logo, “Van Briggle,” date, shape number, and Roman numerals. It is worth noting that the Roman numeral marks in this period followed a specific pattern. For example, marks such as III represented the years 1902 and 1903, while V referred to 1904. Furthermore, various numerals like V, X, VV, and VX were associated with 1905.
In 1906, there was an addition to the bottom marks, with the inclusion of either “Colorado Springs” or “Colo Springs”. This change in marking continued into early 1907, when finisher numbers were also incorporated into the double AA logo. These clear and consistent markings from this period make it relatively straightforward to date Van Briggle Pottery.
- The bottom markings of Van Briggle Pottery between 1900 and early 1907 included the logo, name, date, shape number, and Roman numerals.
- The Roman numeral marks for this period followed a specific pattern.
- Marks like III indicated the years 1902 and 1903, while V referred to 1904.
- Numerals like V, X, VV, and VX were associated with 1905.
- In 1906, “Colorado Springs” or “Colo Springs” was added to the bottom marks.
- Early 1907 saw the incorporation of finisher numbers into the double AA logo.
Transition Period: 1907-1919
The transition period of Van Briggle Pottery, spanning from late 1907 to 1919, is marked by a combination of different bottom markings. Pieces produced during this period typically feature the words “Van Briggle,” “Colo Spgs” or “Colorado Springs,” finisher numbers, and the design number as their bottom marks. These additional markings provide collectors with valuable information for dating their Van Briggle Pottery.
Moreover, between 1913 and 1919, it was common for Van Briggle Pottery to bear the double A logo and the date as bottom marks. In some instances, an incised shape number may also be present. These markings further contribute to the dating process by providing specific information about the time of production.
During the late teens and early 1920s, undated Van Briggle Pottery was marked with the logo and the name “VAN BRIGGLE” in either capitalized letters or script. Additionally, the clay bottoms of pieces from this period often featured a darker color with glaze streaks and residue.
- The transition period of Van Briggle Pottery (late 1907 to 1919) had various bottom markings.
- Pieces from this period included “Van Briggle,” “Colo Spgs,” or “Colorado Springs,” along with finisher numbers and design numbers as bottom marks.
- Between 1913 and 1919, the double A logo and the date were commonly found as bottom marks.
- Incised shape numbers were sometimes present during this time, aiding in the dating process.
- In the late teens and early 1920s, undated Van Briggle Pottery featured the logo and the name “VAN BRIGGLE” in capitalized letters or script.
- The clay bottoms from this period often had a darker color with glaze streaks and residue.
“The transition period of Van Briggle Pottery, spanning from late 1907 to 1919, is marked by a combination of different bottom markings…These additional markings provide collectors with valuable information for dating their Van Briggle Pottery.”
More Challenges In Dating: 1920 And Onwards
After the year 1920, dating Van Briggle Pottery becomes more challenging due to the introduction of inconsistent bottom markings and clay variations. This period marked a departure from the clear and consistent markings of earlier years. Bottom markings during the 1920s typically consisted of “VAN BRIGGLE” and “COLO SPGS,” both written in capitalized letters.
Another dating period is associated with Van Briggle pieces marked with “USA,” which were produced between 1922 and 1926. These pieces also feature the distinct sandy-colored, grainy (buff) bottom. Although the marking of “USA” is helpful in determining the production period, it further adds to the complexity of dating Van Briggle Pottery.
Collectors should also take note of the clay type and glaze color for additional clues about the age of Van Briggle Pottery. The pottery produced in the 1920s is characterized by sandy-colored clay with a grainy appearance or buff bottom. This distinct characteristic, along with the bottom markings, can aid in dating pieces from this era.
6. Additional Resources For Collectors
For collectors interested in delving deeper into the world of Van Briggle Pottery and refining their dating knowledge, there are two recommended reference books available. These books provide extensive information, photographs, and helpful insights to aid in the identification and dating of Van Briggle pieces.
The first recommended book is titled “Collector’s Encyclopedia of Van Briggle Art Pottery” by Sasicki & Fania, published in 1993 with the ISBN 0-89145-519-1. This comprehensive guide offers valuable information on the history, marks, glazes, and shapes of Van Briggle Pottery.
The second recommended resource is “Collector’s Guide to Van Briggle Pottery” by Nelson, Crouch, Demmin, Newton, published in 1986 with the ISBN 0-9616436-0-9. This guide further explores the various aspects of Van Briggle Pottery, including dating techniques, production history, and a comprehensive catalog of shapes.
By utilizing these resources, collectors can expand their knowledge and enhance their ability to date Van Briggle Pottery accurately.
- Understanding the historical context and the unique characteristics of different time periods within Van Briggle Pottery’s production history allows for a more comprehensive and meaningful collecting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the marks on early Van Briggle Pottery?
In the early years of Van Briggle Pottery, collectors can find marks that showcase the company’s logo, Van Briggle, Colo Spgs, along with a shape number and date. However, starting in 1907, the pottery began incorporating finisher numbers onto the double AA logo. These markings serve as a unique identifier for enthusiasts, providing insight into the production process and allowing for a deeper appreciation of the historical significance of each piece.
How can you tell if a Van Briggle is real?
To determine the authenticity of a Van Briggle piece, one should closely examine the marks it bears. Authentic marks can be primarily categorized into two periods – from around 1901 to 1920 and those after 1920. Most genuine marks from both periods feature a monogram with two letter A’s and the words “Van Briggle”. Marks before 1920 often included a date and sometimes incorporated a design or glaze number. Therefore, by examining the presence of these significant markers, one can ascertain the authenticity of a Van Briggle pottery piece.
How old is Van Briggle pottery?
Van Briggle pottery has been an enduring tradition in American art since its establishment in 1899. With a rich history spanning over a century, this renowned pottery brand has become a symbol of artistic excellence and craftsmanship. From its early days to the present, Van Briggle pottery has captivated the hearts of collectors and art enthusiasts alike, embodying the essence of timeless beauty through its distinctive designs and techniques. As a testament to its longevity, Van Briggle pottery stands proud as a true icon in the realm of American art, bridging the gap between past and present with its ageless appeal.
Is Van Briggle pottery still made?
No, Van Briggle pottery is no longer being made. After many changes in ownership over the years, the Van Briggle Art Pottery Company ceased production permanently in 2014, marking the end of an era for this renowned pottery brand. Though its beautiful creations can still be found in the hands of collectors and enthusiasts, the manufacturing of new Van Briggle pieces has unfortunately come to an end.