RRP: Robinson Ransbottom Pottery of Roseville, Ohio
RRP stands for Robinson Ransbottom Pottery Company, formed in 1920 through the merger of the Robinson Clay Products Company (founded 1900) and the Ransbottom Brothers Pottery (founded 1900) in Roseville, Ohio. The company became one of the largest producers of stoneware and utilitarian pottery in America, manufacturing crocks, jars, flowerpots, jardinières, garden ware, and decorative pottery throughout the 20th century. RRP operated continuously until 2005, making it one of the longest-running potteries in the Roseville/Zanesville, Ohio, ceramic corridor. While not as artistically prestigious as nearby Roseville or Weller, RRP produced well-made, collectible pottery with a strong regional following.
Identification & Marks
- "RRP Co., Roseville, Ohio": The standard impressed or stamped mark
- "Robinson Ransbottom": Full company name on some pieces
- Crown mark: A crown symbol used on certain product lines
- Size numbers: Impressed numbers indicating capacity (gallon sizes for crocks) or shape numbers
- "Old Colony" line mark: Used on specific decorative lines
- Distinction from Roseville Pottery: RRP is a completely separate company from Roseville Pottery despite both being located in Roseville, Ohio; confusion between the two is common
Types & Product Lines
- Stoneware crocks and jars: Traditional blue-banded and brown-glazed utilitarian stoneware; the core product line
- Jardinières and pedestals: Decorated planters and their stands in various glazes and sizes
- Garden ware: Birdbaths, sundials, strawberry pots, and large planters
- Cookie jars: Figural cookie jars including the popular "Oscar" and "Jocko" designs; a crossover collecting category
- Mixing bowls: Banded and decorated mixing bowls for kitchen use
- Novelty items: Banks, mugs, and seasonal items
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stoneware crock (common size) | $10 | $30 | $80 |
| Stoneware crock (large, blue band) | $20 | $60 | $200 |
| Jardinière (glazed) | $15 | $50 | $150 |
| Jardinière with pedestal | $40 | $120 | $350 |
| Cookie jar (common) | $15 | $40 | $100 |
| Cookie jar (figural, collectible) | $30 | $80 | $250 |
| Mixing bowl set | $20 | $50 | $120 |
| Large garden ware piece | $30 | $100 | $300 |
Condition Factors
- Stoneware is durable but chips on rims and bases are common; they modestly affect utilitarian ware value
- Glaze condition on decorative pieces is more important than on utilitarian stoneware
- Hairline cracks in large crocks and garden ware reduce value but are common in heavy pieces
- Cookie jars must have original lids; missing lids reduce value by 50%
- Blue banding and decoration on stoneware should be crisp and well-defined
Collecting Tips
- Do not confuse RRP (Robinson Ransbottom) with Roseville Pottery; they are entirely different companies with vastly different values
- RRP stoneware crocks are popular with country decorators and collectors of Americana
- Cookie jars are the crossover collecting category with the broadest appeal
- Large jardinière-and-pedestal sets have decorative appeal and can be used practically for plants
- The factory's 2005 closure means production has ceased; pieces are becoming more collectible
- Regional Ohio antique venues are the best sources; prices are generally modest, making RRP accessible for beginning collectors
- Complete sets of banded mixing bowls are sought after by both collectors and those who use vintage kitchen pottery