Gonder Pottery: Mid-Century American Art Pottery
Gonder Pottery was an American ceramics company founded by Lawton Gonder in 1941 in Zanesville, Ohio, producing art pottery and decorative ceramics until 1957. Gonder was an experienced ceramicist who had previously worked at Ohio potteries including Weller, American Encaustic Tiling, Cherry Art Tile, and Florence Pottery before launching his own operation. The company is known for its rich glazes, Chinese-inspired crackle finishes, and a wide range of vases, planters, figurines, and lamp bases.
History & Background
- 1941: Lawton Gonder purchases the former Zane Pottery building in Zanesville, Ohio
- 1941-1945: Early production includes vases, console sets, and decorative pieces with high-quality glazes
- 1946-1950: Peak production period; over 700 different mold designs created
- 1946: Introduces Elgee line (from "L.G." initials) for premium pieces
- Late 1940s: Produces flambe, gold crackle, and Chinese crackle glazes that become signature styles
- 1954: Fire damages factory; production continues on reduced scale
- 1957: Factory closes; molds sold to other Ohio potteries
Identification & Marks
- Standard mark: "GONDER" in raised or impressed block letters, sometimes with "U.S.A."
- Model numbers: Pieces carry mold numbers (e.g., H-71, E-65) that identify the form
- Elgee mark: Premium line marked "Elgee" in script
- Paper labels: Some pieces carried only paper labels, now frequently missing
- Glaze identification: Key to attribution; Gonder's distinctive glazes are recognizable to experienced collectors
Notable Glazes & Lines
| Glaze/Line | Description |
|---|---|
| Chinese Crackle | Deliberate crackle glaze over solid colors |
| Gold Crackle | Gold-toned crackle finish |
| Flambe | Rich drip glazes blending two or more colors |
| Pirate Gold | Metallic gold-toned glaze |
| Mold Turquoise | Solid turquoise, very popular |
| Coral | Pink-coral matte finish |
| La Gonda | Line with speckled, textured glazes |
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard vase | $15 | $40 | $100 |
| Figural planter or TV lamp | $25 | $75 | $200 |
| Chinese crackle vase | $30 | $80 | $200 |
| Large floor vase (14"+) | $50 | $150 | $400 |
| Flambe glazed piece | $30 | $100 | $250 |
| Unusual form or experimental glaze | $50 | $200 | $500+ |
| Horse figurine | $40 | $100 | $300 |
Condition Factors
- Glaze condition: Glaze pops, flakes, or chips are common and reduce value
- Crazing: Chinese crackle glazes craze intentionally; other glazes should not have unintended crazing
- Base chips: Minor base chips are common on heavy pieces but visible chips reduce value
- Mold quality: Early production from fresh molds shows sharper detail than later examples
- Color consistency: Rich, evenly applied glazes command premiums over thin or uneven application
Collecting Tips
- Gonder is often compared to more expensive Ohio potteries like Roseville and Weller; it offers similar aesthetic appeal at lower prices
- Flambe and Chinese crackle glazes are the most collectible finishes
- Large-format pieces (floor vases, console sets) bring the strongest prices
- Figural TV lamps from the 1950s have crossover appeal with mid-century modern collectors
- Zanesville, Ohio pottery shows are the best venues for finding unusual Gonder pieces
- Gonder molds were sold after closure; pieces made from Gonder molds by other companies lack the original glaze quality
- The market remains relatively affordable, making Gonder an excellent entry point for Ohio art pottery collecting