Brisk bidding & strong prices highlight Belhorn’s Art Pottery Auction

Collections from Michigan, Maryland, Illinois, Iowa and South Carolina benefited from the strong prices realized at Belhorn Auction Services’ November 15, 2009, American Art Pottery Auction. The auction was held in Columbus, Ohio, and saw successful bidders both locally and from across the nation. Nearly 400 pieces of Roseville, Weller and Rookwood crossed the block as well as examples of Cowan, Brush McCoy, Niloak, Van Briggle and more contemporary works from Wisecarver, Hyalyn and Door Pottery.

“We are seeing a leveling off if not increases in pottery prices at auction. There is strong demand for pieces in desirable lines, rare shapes and pieces that are in mint or excellent condition,” stated Greg Belhorn, Auctioneer and President of Belhorn Auction Services.

Two pieces highlighted the results: A rare Cowan vase signed by Arthur E. Baggs from 1927 received bids from the floor, the phone and online and after spirited competition the hammer dropped at $2,200 plus buyer’s premium. “This piece represents a real intersection of potteries, styles and people,” explained Belhorn. “An understated piece at first glance, once we began to research this vase we knew we had something special. Our database of buyers shared in our excitement and the results exceeded both our and the consignor’s expectations.”

Baggs founded and built the highly successful Marblehead Pottery in Massachusetts and then moved to Ohio to work at Cowan Pottery and teach at the Cleveland School of Art. Soon after the production of this vase, Baggs accepted a position at The Ohio State University, which houses one of the oldest ceramics programs in the country. Today OSU is home to the Baggs Memorial Library which has extensive collections of reference materials and ceramic objects.

The second highlight was in the form a stunning piece of Roseville Baneda. The form (#600) was 15 inches of rich greens and blues with a crisp mold. The vase was in mint condition and still sported the original factory foil label. Again bidding was brisk and the vase sold for $2,400.00 plus buyer’s premium.

Belhorn Auction Services is a recognized leader and expert in American Art Pottery Auctions and offers a full calendar of pottery auctions. Belhorn is the official auctioneer for the American Art Pottery Association, The Pottery Lovers Reunion and the Columbus Pottery Show & Auction. Full details available at Belhorn.com. For full results click here.