Know what to look for when buying antique pottery to avoid fakes.
The Cornish line from the Weller Pottery Company was introduced in the early 1930s. This Depression-era pottery was among the last hand-painted works the Ohio company made before it closed in 1948. In the early days, the company made utility pieces, but when owner Samuel Weller saw competitors' success with art pottery, he started producing more display pieces. The Cornish line has become a collector's favorite.
Instructions
1. Know identify Weller Cornish Art Pottery. These pieces are primarily either "sea blue" or brown and have a matte finish. They are decorated on the front with a raised flowering tree branch and leaves. Cornish pieces are almost always signed with the script "Weller Pottery." An initial sometimes accompanies the mark, often of the artist who finished the piece.
2. Examine the pottery carefully for defects. Those that occur during the making of pottery, or manufacturing flaws, are fairly common with Weller Cornish pieces. Mold flaws occur after the mold is used over and over. If your piece is perfectly formed, it is especially valuable, since it was likely one of the first pieces out of the mold. Don't be concerned about minor manufacturing defects -- Weller Cornish was mass produced, and a perfect piece would be unusual.
3. Check for reproductions. Authentic Weller Cornish pottery won't have a glossy finish. Check the sizes against a reference book. For example, the squat vase in the Cornish line is about 3 inches high and 4.75 inches wide. Any deviation of more than or less than half an inch should be suspect.
4. Maintain separate insurance coverage for your pottery. The rare sea blue ginger jar can be priced from $600 to $750. Your collection won't be adequately covered by your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.
Tags: Weller Cornish, Cornish line, company made, Cornish pieces, Weller Pottery