Timeline and Prices of Roseville Pottery

Roseville Pottery
Roseville Pottery Morning Glory Vase. Morphy Auctions

If you have pottery from the 1950s or earlier, it may be Roseville, as it was widely available throughout the United States in the first half of the 20th century, being sold in flower shops and drug stores. Markings on the bottom of the company's pieces vary widely in different eras, so consult resources to evaluate your items.

History of Roseville Pottery

Roseville Pottery was in business from 1890 through 1954 though it was only in its namesake town of Roseville for the first eight years of the company's existence. The company became incorporated in 1892, but it wasn't until the 1930s Roseville Pottery Company became Roseville Pottery, Inc. The town of Zanesville, Ohio, was where the company relocated to in 1898, but there were several different plants. Around the turn of the century, the company produced high-quality art pottery, though its emphasis changed to more commercial production in the teens. After 1917 all Roseville Pottery was made in Zanesville.

The influx of cheaper Japanese pottery into the U.S. market after World War II hurt sales, and the company issued is last new pieces in 1953.

Roseville Rozane

According to Just Art Pottery, Roseville Rozane became the company's first high-quality art pottery line around the turn of the century. Rozane is described as being hand-decorated with a dark glaze. Early items included utilitarian items such as flower pots, stoneware, and cuspidors.

Roseville Cookie Jars

Although Roseville jars look similar to each other, there are five different shapes—check the handles to see the biggest difference in the designs. Authentic cookie jars can sell anywhere from $50 to $300, and include the following flower designs: water lily, magnolia, clematis, freesia, and zephyr lily. The condition of the pottery and the inclusion of the lid are major factors in price.

Markings

Markings on Roseville pottery pieces include:

  • "Roseville" with a number underneath, either stamped (1932 to 1937) or raised lettering (around 1937), also including "U.S.A."
  • A diamond-shaped foil label (beginning around 1930, on lines such as Blackberry, Tourmaline, and early Pine Cone) that says "Roseville Pottery" in all capital letters
  • An attached round wafer that says "Rozane Ware" in all capital letters
  • A mark saying "RPCo"
  • An impressed mark that says "Rozane" with numbers and letters beneath

The stamped numbers denote the shape of the piece and were more consistent between 1916 and 1947.

Other pieces may have various ink stamps and impressions. These vary widely. A mark may even be absent, so the mark or absence thereof may not be the last word on whether the piece is genuine Roseville. These pieces should be evaluated by a trained eye for authentication.

Beware of Reproductions

Roseville art pottery pieces are highly desirable, which in turn has caused the pottery to be widely reproduced. But the good news is that most Roseville reproductions and fakes are easy to detect—if you are familiar with the pottery and its marks. Educate yourself before spending big bucks on a vintage piece.

Books

For more information see:

  • "Antique Trader Antiques and Collectibles 2018 Price Guide" by Eric Bradley
    "The Collector's Encyclopedia of Roseville Pottery," by Sharon and Bob Huxford
  • "Hansons American Art Pottery Collection" by Bob and Jane Hanson