7 Pottery Collecting Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Richard Sasicki's deep dive into Van Briggle art pottery springs from his extensive research and longstanding passion for this Colorado-based craft. You’ll explore over 800 pieces spanning from 1901 to today, complete with vivid color photos that bring these ceramics to life. The book walks you through the company’s history, production techniques, and how to accurately identify and date pieces, even including a 2004 price guide for collectors. If your interest lies in mastering the nuances of Van Briggle pottery or enhancing your collection with informed choices, this book offers precise insights without unnecessary jargon.

When Denise Rago first immersed herself in the world of Weller pottery, she saw the need for a guide that blends history with practical knowledge. This book walks you through identifying authentic pieces, understanding their market value, and maintaining your collection with care. You’ll find richly detailed illustrations paired with historical context that brings each pottery style to life, making it easier to distinguish genuine articles from reproductions. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, this guide equips you with the confidence to navigate the nuances of Weller pottery specifically, rather than general ceramics.

This tailored book explores the rich world of pottery collecting by focusing specifically on your interests and experience level. It examines key techniques for identifying, valuing, and preserving pottery, while revealing the historical and artistic contexts behind prized pieces. By synthesizing expert knowledge with your personal collecting goals, this personalized guide provides a clear pathway through complex information, helping you build confidence in assessing pottery from various makers and styles. It covers everything from recognizing maker marks to understanding market trends, tailored to match your background and ambitions. This focused approach makes mastering pottery collecting an engaging and achievable pursuit.

Sharon and Bob Huxford bring over two decades of dedicated experience in pottery to this detailed encyclopedia, focused exclusively on McCoy pottery. You'll find hundreds of color photographs paired with updated market values, making it easier to identify and assess pieces accurately. The book delves into the history, distinguishing marks, and variations that define McCoy's most collectible items, offering precise insight for both newcomers and seasoned collectors. If you’re serious about understanding this iconic American pottery brand, this guide gives you the depth and clarity needed to build expertise without the fluff.

Mark F. Moran's decades of experience as an antiques appraiser led to this detailed guide on Roseville Pottery that goes beyond mere pricing. You learn to identify subtle condition nuances like hairline cracks and "flea-bite" nicks that affect value, supported by over 1,200 color photos showcasing each piece's unique characteristics. The book provides historical context and alerts on reproductions, making it a practical tool for anyone serious about evaluating or purchasing Roseville Pottery. If you're after a hands-on approach to pottery collecting with precise condition assessments, this guide offers clear insights but is less suited for casual hobbyists.

Drawing from his extensive expertise as a recognized Shawnee pottery authority, Jim Mangus, along with Bev Mangus, crafted this guide to address the challenge collectors face in identifying and valuing Shawnee pieces accurately. You gain access to detailed descriptions, production dates, and rich historical contexts, complemented by over 1,200 color photos that illuminate subtle design nuances. The inclusion of hundreds of listings, many unseen elsewhere, equips you to discern authenticity and market value effectively. While the focus is narrow, those passionate about Shawnee pottery will find this guide indispensable for deepening their knowledge and refining their collections.

This tailored book explores a focused 90-day journey into pottery valuation and collection building, designed to match your background and interests. It examines key techniques to assess pottery pieces, understand market trends, and develop your personal collecting approach. The content reveals how to evaluate authenticity, condition, and historical significance, all while addressing your specific goals for enhancing your collection. This personalized guide combines expert knowledge with your unique focus, offering a pathway that helps you make confident, informed decisions. By concentrating on your priorities, it fosters a deeper appreciation and practical skills to grow and value your pottery collection effectively.

Sharon Huxford's decades of deep engagement with Roseville Pottery culminate in this thoroughly revised encyclopedia, designed as a definitive guide for collectors. You gain precise knowledge about more than 800 pieces, including detailed shape numbers, glaze variations, and original factory data, enriched with nearly 150 color photos and vintage ads that bring the history alive. The book's expanded pricing structure and special sections on factory marks and artist signatures make it a practical tool for valuing and authenticating your collection. If you want to navigate the complex market of Roseville Pottery with confidence, this reference offers a grounded, fact-rich approach that benefits both seasoned and aspiring collectors alike.

After years immersed in collecting and selling hand-painted dinnerware, Carl Gibbs developed a deep appreciation for Metlox Potteries that shines through this encyclopedia. You’ll find detailed histories of the company’s owners and their innovations, alongside exhaustive listings of dinnerware patterns with names, divisions, and updated values from 2001. The book also dives into Metlox’s artware, including Walt Disney figurines and cookie jars, enriched by over 700 color photos and 300 original brochures. If you're passionate about identifying and valuing Metlox pieces, this book provides a thorough, organized guide grounded in Gibbs’s firsthand collecting experience.