Sunday, May 20, 2012

A Couple Recent Pottery Finds

I spotted these yesterday while visiting a local antique mall. Had to make a trip back to get them today after doing some research.


A favorite California Pottery. Not so much into the figurines and such that this company did (even though many can be quite collectible and valuable). I do however like to find a rare goody such as this tile/trivet. The value on such a piece as this can range anywhere from several hundred dollars to over a thousand depending on what website you're on. This one is in good shape with the exception of a few minor flakes to the surface at the top corners, and a little loss to the "ridges" in the design that separate the colors as commonly happens with age and wear. Overall, I am pleased to find a tile like this in this good of condition. It dates to the Arts and Crafts Period c1920-30's.

Brayton Laguna Pottery
6" x 6" Tile/Trivet

This pottery buffalo was created by Tucson Artist, Jack Black. It is signed and dated '85 on the bottom. I don't know all that much yet about Jack Black Pottery except what little I could find on the Internet after a few quick searches yesterday. What I discovered is that he lived here in Tucson. He was either originally from Sedona or frequented it often. I believe he passed in the last decade. He produced numerous designs including many of Native American figures, various animals, and angels. A few different glazes were also used. Seems that this particular monochromatic glaze is prized by collectors. Once I discovered that, it was back to the antique mall to pick up this well priced treasure.

Jack Black Pottery




Monday, May 7, 2012

The Loot from My Recent California Trip


All the items in this post were found at thrift stores this past week while on vacation in California.
Thanks Dawn H. for having a 50th birthday celebration (the main reason for our trip).
I found ME some wonder gifts for YOUR birthday :^)
(Actually she made out just fine. A couple items went to her collection)

Click pics for larger and better quality photos.


Thousand Faces Lidded Sugar Bowl and Lidded Creamer (Japan)
I love this pattern. Look closer and you'll see why they call it 1,000 Faces. We have many different type pieces in our collection. Including several other sugar and creamer sets...some with coffee or teapots even.
Paid $10.00 for the pair
(2) Shelley Salad/Dessert Plates (England)
Very collectible.
Paid 2.19 each

(2) Homer Laughlin China - Harlequin Saucers
I have a good many sets of cups & saucers in this pattern. Now I have a couple extra saucers. They are roughly 50-60+ years old.
HLC is also the maker of Fiesta dinnerware.
Paid $1.50 each


Possibly Pacific Pottery or Garden City Pottery Dinner Plate.
Very old. Dates to the Arts and Crafts period. Sometime around 1930-40.
Paid: $2.19

Tiffin Glass Flower "Floater" and Candleholder
This item was designed to include any one of a number of different tall stretched glass animal figurines in the center along with the tapered candlesticks and floating flowers if desired.
Paid $10.00

Tiffin Glass Vase
We have a showcase full of Tiffin vases similar to this one. The color is called "Copen Blue". The "ball" is in crystal.
Paid $10.00

(2) Christofle "Atalante" Highball Glasses
What amazing quality these have.
Found them for a bargain compared to what they originally sold for.

Beautiful Cut Detail.
They are etched with the "Christofle" name on the bottom.

Orrefors Crystal "Artichoke" Votive (Sweden)
Still has it's original "Orrefors" label on the bottom. I've put together a nice little collection of various votive candleholders over the years. Several from various other Scandinavian Manufacturers.
Paid $5.39

(3) Brand New Photo Albums.
Still had the wrap on them when I found them.
I'm always in need of more photo albums.
Found for $3.49 each. A great price compared to buying new at retail.

Empoli Decanter (Italy)
It'll look nice once I get it all cleaned up.
Paid $6.00

Tiffin Glass "Sweet Pea" Vase
Another of the many Tiffin Glass items found this trip. We especially love the "foot" design on this series. We have so many that are similar but not exactly the same as this one.
Paid $2.49

Thomas O'Brian Etched "Eucalyptus" Art Glass Plate.
This piece although not old, was made to look like well known makers from the 1930-40's. Still a fun  and quality etched glass piece. Already given away as a little thank you gift. Would look especially nice in someone's tropical home someday.
Found for a bargain.

Stretched Carnival Glass Handled Tidbit Tray.
Possibly Imperial Glass, or one of a couple other U.S. makers who all made this same basic piece.
(Not the actual piece we found. My find actually had more contrasting "carnival" color. It has already gone to a good home as a little thank you gift).
Found for a Bargain.

Blenko Glass "Taurus" Zodiac Suncatcher
(Also not the actual piece found. My find was in a green glass. It to went to someone in California who also collects Blenko Glass and who's zodiac sign is "Taurus").
Found for a Bargain.
Blenko Ruffled Bowl
(Also not the actual piece found. My find was just like this one though. It was given as a little extra birthday gift to the person for which the trip to California was planned).
Found for a Bargain.