How to Identify Vintage Pottery Console Sets

Turn over the console bowl to see the bottom design and check for identifying numbers or a name. Write down any numbers for reference. See if the bowl has glaze on the bottom and check for firing pin marks. Firing pin marks are three little flaws in a triangle shape on the bottom of a pottery item. Firing pins often identify Haeger and Royal Haeger pottery.

Look at the color of the clay. Find a spot where there is no glaze and examine the color of the clay. Yellow clay is usually an Ohio pottery company, such as Roseville or Weller. White clay may be Arkansas or Texas pottery. Red clay is likely Frankoma or Canadian pottery, maybe Harris Strong or early Peters and Reed. Shawnee and Hull used beige clay with a touch of pink. Dryden and Rosemeade used speckled beige clay.

Look for the unusual. Rely on the most unusual feature to identify your console set. A flower frog with a figurine is helpful. Red Wing made a deer; Camark made cranes. Shawnee made a dolphin flower frog. Once you can identify the figurine, compare the bowl glaze, clay color and style to see if it matches. Candleholders are often easier to identify than the bowl. Camark and Roseville candleholders often have handpainted flowers.

Start with the most likely maker based on your evaluation and compare the item with photographs of known vintage console sets by that maker. Use books on American pottery and specialized books on American pottery companies from the local library to identify vintage pottery console sets.

Ask for help. Visit collectibles shops and malls and take a photo of your vintage pottery console set with you. Ask dealers and shop owners for ideas. Many shop owners are knowledgeable or have reference books available. Attend an antiques and collectibles show and ask dealers at the show about your pottery console set. These resources are free or nearly free.