Stoneware is a popular item used to decorate modern homes. While modern stoneware can be found in a wide range of styles and sizes, serious collectors often look for antique American stoneware to add to their homes.

Early settlers created stoneware items that served a useful purpose. These items range from straight-sided crockery to jugs, birdhouses, butter churns, and banks.

The clay curing method used to create these early examples of stoneware resulted in extremely strong and durable items — many of which have survived today. The value of antique American stoneware can vary greatly, and it helps to understand some of the factors that can affect the value of these items if you are hoping to add antique stoneware to your home.

1. Condition

As with most antique items, condition plays a big part in determining the value of any piece of antique American stoneware. Serious collectors can overlook minor scratches that are a result of the daily use stoneware items have received throughout the years, but any serious gouges or chips can drop the value of a piece significantly.

Damaged items that are extremely rare or unique can be restored, but any restorations must be included in the description of the item and taken into account when determining the overall value.

2. Motif

Many of the early examples of American stoneware are very utilitarian. Stoneware items were intended to serve a specific purpose, and their simple design reflected this intended use. As early settlers perfected their ability to work with clay, decorative motifs began to appear on many of the stoneware pieces that were produced. A surprising number of items featured floral motifs, but very few incorporated dogs, birds, or other figures.

A piece of antique stoneware with a floral design will probably be worth more than a plain item, but the value of a stoneware piece can increase according to the uniqueness of the motif.

3. Demand

Since antique stoneware is a retail item, demand for each piece can affect the value. Some collectors specialize in a very narrow type of stoneware, like that with a specific shape or pieces created by a specific potter.

If the piece you want fits into the collection of any specialty buyers, you may find that the purchase price of the stoneware item can skyrocket. If an item is relatively common or there isn't much interest from collectors, then the purchase price will be more affordable.

 

Share