Ah, Summer! The warm weather is upon us and with it the opportunity to move our lives, and our favorite plants, outdoors.
For me, one of the great joys of the season is visiting my favorite nursery and dragging home as many potted plants and flowers as my budget will allow. But, while I love the plants, I have grown disenchanted with the rows and rows of cookie cutter flower pots that the local garden shops have to offer. Second only to their mundane appearance are the staggering price tags to be found on them. However, I have found a solution to this problem. This year I am shopping the garage sales for vintage planters.
The Pennsylvanian-age shale and rich clay necessary for the production of ceramics were readily available in southeastern Ohio, making it the center of U.S. pottery manufacturing during the latter part of the 1800s and the early part of the 1900s. Factories in Zanesville, Fultonham and Cincinnati produced thousands of pieces from such noted concerns McCoy, Weller and Shawnee. Much of their work has stayed here in the tri-state area making it readily available for those of us in Indy.
The antique malls are a good source for vintage pottery year round. But, for the savvy shopper, it is the outdoor sales that catapult us out of bed each Saturday morning and send us scurrying through the neighbor’s yards. Here are some great porch pieces to watch for as we enter the 2022 yard sale season
With designs ranging from elegant to whimsical, the McCoy Pottery Company of Roseville, Ohio offers a wide range of flower pots. One of their most popular designs, a flower pot with attached saucer, is in high demand this spring with sizes ranging from 3-8 inches. Prices online are running in the $40-$60 range, but these often surface at flea markets and yard sales for much less. Floraline pottery from The Nelson McCoy Company was a line designed in the 1960s and sold exclusively to florists. These pieces are very reasonably priced in the $4-$12 range. Their simple forms, muted colors and classic lines make them perfect for use on porch or patio.
Weller Pottery Company, located in Fultonham, Ohio began making clay planters and flower pots in 1872. As they crossed over into the 20th century their efforts turned to producing fine art pottery in Deco, Nouveau and Arts and Crafts designs. Their large planters and jardinieres from the early to mid-1900s will run in the $175-$400 range but, if you shop carefully and know what to watch for, there are bargains to be had. Last summer I found a 1920s Green Apple Tree jardiniere, that is currently bringing $400 online, for only $10!!
Shawnee Potter, located in Zanesville, Ohio from 1937-1961, is sometimes tricky to identify. The company didn’t start marking their wares “Shawnee” until the 1950s so you will want to pick up a pricing and identification guide to acquaint yourself with their work. Puppy dogs, cats, pigs and blow fish planters are just a few of the kitschy designs available, all of which can easily be found for under $5. I love their pastel blues, pinks, yellows and greens so I watch for their flower pots with attached saucers and their nesting planters.
One final thought. Since you are purchasing these pottery pieces for outdoors you may have some concern about the “porch thieves” that lurk among us. You can save yourself a lot of worry, and a lot of cash, by buying pieces that have small chips or hairline cracks. When positioned right these cannot be seen and they allow you to create the look you want without the worry. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
