Just out is their book "Gonder Ceramic Arts, A Comprehensive Guide" and comprehensive it is. The first fifteen pages are devoted to the company history and the people that were a part of it. Numerous copies of letters, catalog sheets company photographs and advertisements help document the history of this Zanesville, Ohio pottery.
Gonder Ceramic Arts was incorporated in 1941, but the history leading up to that move is long. Like many potteries in the Ohio area which went through name changes, merging, buying and selling, the Gonder Ceramic Arts history is fascinating to read. A chart is probably needed to keep track of it all! The Boshears do a great job on documenting the history and the people involved.
The 24 chapters of the book are laid out alphabetically and cover everything from Ashtrays -- Vases. The last chapter includes pages of catalog sheets, always an important part of a company's history, and always fascinating to look and research.
Pictures are excellent and descriptions underneath them are very detailed, it just doesn't get any better than this. See table below article.
Anytime a price or value guide is printed, it always will generate controversy. Some will claim prices are too high and others will be willing to buy any piece in the authors collection at the values shown. It's a hard job and with the Internet World prices can vary widely -- especially with online auctions that only reach a small segment of collectors.
The Boshears explain how they reached the values shown -- "combining prices realized at auction with prices seen and recorded at antique stores, flea markets and private sales. We have asked several serious collectors, in various areas of the country, to review these values and make any adjustments they felt were necessary."
"Remember, these values are estimates only. A true value is always what a seller is wiling to sell for and a buyer is willing to pay for each piece."
As more people discover this interesting pottery, it is rapidly rising in values, but is still affordable. This book will definitely be a big help in identifying the different pieces produced, especially if you are a garage sale or flea market addict. For more information on this book or to purchase an autographed copy, you can contact the authors directly.
Example of Picture Descriptions
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Mold #1800 A, Large Square Ashtray (hard to find), 1-1/2" H x 10-11/16" W x 10-11/16" L, Mark: "Gonder Original," Script, Black with White Swirl. Courtesy of Tom & Dixie Woodward. Value $50-75. |
