This section is created to answer frequently asked questions regarding Shenandoah Pottery. If you have any other questions please feel free to email us at doccom1@comcast.net.
- What is Shenandoah Pottery?
- What makes Shenandoah pottery collectable?
- What makes Shenandoah pottery so valuable?
- What is the value of Shenandoah pottery and what is its investment potential?
- Are there fakes of Shenandoah pottery to be found in today's market?
- Do repairs decrease, or increase, the value of a piece of pottery?
- How can one learn the art of Shenandoah pottery collecting?
- Where can I find Shenandoah pottery for my collection?
What is Shenandoah Pottery?
The Shenandoah Valley Region between 1750 and 1933 supported more than 300 potters. These potters produced abundant utilitarian and folk art items that today are among the most desirable antique collectibles. The abundance of good clays for production and the advent of the rail system made the Shenandoah Valley a primary American location for potters. Although much “export” occurred after the War Between the States and the late 1800's, eastern areas below the Mason-Dixon line were almost-exclusive targets. It can be properly said that the Shenandoah Valley pottery tradition is second to none in the United States for variety of production. The only American technique that has never been found as a product of the Shenandoah Valley Region is sgraffito ware. Please refer to our Home Page for information.
What makes Shenandoah pottery collectable?
The fact that Shenandoah pottery was made in abundance, in variety, optically pleasing in glaze color, product form, and of an early period, produces a desire to own. Some collect Shenandoah pottery because of its past record of investment potential. Pottery, in general, is probably the number one or at least number two collectable in the United States. The fact that the pottery of this region was abundantly made, it does not follow that it is plentiful. Pottery of any style is quite perishable. However, items that were abundantly made even if perishable have the potential of occasionally coming to light. The constant dream of collectors.
What makes Shenandoah pottery so valuable?
Collectors love it.
What is the value of Shenandoah pottery and what is its investment potential?
In the past 35 years Shenandoah pottery has increased in value: least desirable ( to collectors ) by 45-65 %, medium desirable by 85-100%, most desirable by 200-500%. Many singular Shenandoah items go well beyond these figures. If you did not purchase your item 35 years ago the investment potential is of course below these numbers. A good reliable number for annual increased value in today's market would be perhaps 10-12 %. However, the potential is great for more. Values have been steady and solid in almost all cases with exceptions of fake, reproduction, and broken/repaired items.
It would not be practical to list values of individual items here. Suffice it to say, a range in values of all known Shenandoah pottery items would be between 5.00 and 750,000.00. Not much help, so ask an appraiser, a dealer, or seasoned collector. Obtain auction reports. We shall be listing some sales values under the Auction values window of this site.
Are there fakes of Shenandoah pottery to be found in today's market?
Absolutely, when the market brings new items to its value forefront, people with weak minds go to work contriving new ways to steal from their fellowman. Although there is an alarming number of factious ceramic items to be had to day, representing most of American styles of pottery, most are poor matches for the style they portray. While the numbers of fakes are not plentiful one should be cautious, especially new collectors. The very best of todays fakes will not pass muster if viewed by a qualified expert in the particular tradition in question.
Do repairs decrease, or increase, the value of a piece of pottery?
Yes and No. For years antique furniture, rifles, and other collectibles have been repaired for collectors. Sometimes the quality of conservation is the determining factor in which value is determined. Ceramics have become quite collectable and many, due to age, use, and misuse, require conservation to aid in visual acceptance. Just as other antique collectibles, pottery, in most cases, is less valuable repaired than in original as made condition. However, similar to other antique forms, needed repair adds value after excellent conservation. Those artifacts that have special histories, such as famous owners, etc., obtain value both intrinsically and extrinsically and, excluding the ones existing in pieces, should not in general be repaired. Items showing some forms of use incidences and those from important collections are probably best left in existing conditions. Unfortunately for some items even excellent conservation will not aid visually or monetarily.
How can one learn the art of Shenandoah pottery collecting?
It behoves a collector to visit as many public and private collections as possibly. Talk with as many collectors and dealers as possible. Ask questions, even if you think your questions may be trite. Read books and magazines, there are some very good periodical sources, i.e. “Antique Week,” “Maine Antique Digest”, and others. Go to auctions, observe if not buy, ask auctioneers questions they are very good sources for answers. Two of the best publications, both out of print and hard to find, “Shenandoah Pottery” by A. H. Rice and John Baer Stoudt ©1929 and “Pottery of the Shenandoah Valley Region” H. E. Comstock ©1994. Click here to see our recommended books section for additional aid.
Where can I find Shenandoah pottery for my collection?
Although many antique dealers will be able to supply you with Shenandoah items, it is rare that the most-desirable objects can be obtained by them. Many very good opportunities to obtain pottery still can be found at local and regional auctions. Some collectors have had luck at yard sales. If one can find a seasoned collection for sale there may not be a more opportune way to obtain desirable pottery. Short of these methods, inheritance and/or prayer are about all that is legal.