Abingdon Pottery: American Art Pottery from Illinois
What Is Abingdon Pottery?
Abingdon Pottery operated in Abingdon, Illinois, from 1934 to 1950, producing decorative art pottery, cookie jars, vases, planters, and novelty items. Originally established as the Abingdon Sanitary Manufacturing Company in 1908 to produce plumbing fixtures, the company pivoted to art pottery during the Depression when demand for bathroom fixtures collapsed.
Under the direction of designer Raymond O. Galbraith, Abingdon produced over 1,000 different shapes in a wide range of glazes. The pottery is known for its quality molding, smooth matte and glossy finishes, and affordable price point that made it accessible to average American households.
Identifying Abingdon Pottery
Marks and Numbering
- Impressed "ABINGDON U.S.A." is the most common mark, often with a shape number
- Ink-stamped marks appear on some pieces, including a stylized "A" in a shield
- Paper labels were used on some pieces but rarely survive
- Shape numbers range from #100 into the #700s; these numbers correspond to published catalogs
Characteristic Glazes
- Matte white, pink, blue, and yellow
- Glossy black, chartreuse, and turquoise
- Decorated finishes with hand-painted floral motifs
- Gold-trimmed pieces (late production)
- Gunmetal and bronze metallic glazes (less common, more valuable)
Auction Prices and Market Values
| Form | Typical Range | Exceptional Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Common vases (#100s series) | $15-$40 | $80+ |
| Cookie jars (common shapes) | $30-$75 | $200+ |
| Cookie jars (rare shapes) | $100-$350 | $600+ |
| Console bowls and sets | $25-$60 | $125+ |
| Figural planters and wall pockets | $20-$50 | $100+ |
| Bookends (per pair) | $40-$100 | $200+ |
| Large decorated vases | $50-$150 | $300+ |
| Rare glazes (gunmetal, bronze) | $75-$250 | $400+ |
The most sought-after cookie jars include the #471 "Old Lady" (also called Mother Goose), the #588 "Money Bag," and the #611 "Jack-in-the-Box." Rare glaze colors on any form significantly increase value.
Condition Factors That Affect Value
- Crazing is common and mildly reduces value on most pieces
- Chips on bases are tolerated more than rim or lip chips
- Glaze flakes on raised areas are common from use
- Cookie jar lids must be original and matching; replaced lids cut value by 50% or more
- Gold trim wear is expected and has minimal impact
- Cracks substantially reduce value on all forms
Collecting Tips
Entry Points
Common vases and planters in standard glazes are plentiful at $15-$40, making Abingdon one of the most accessible American art pottery lines. Flea markets and estate sales in the Midwest often yield good finds.
Building a Collection
- Cookie jars are the most popular specialty, with over 30 different shapes produced
- Glaze variations within a single shape can fill a shelf with visual interest
- Figural pieces like the #305 Blackamoor planter or #515 horse bookends are perennial favorites
- Console sets (bowl with matching candleholders) display well as groups
Reference Resources
- Abingdon Pottery: Artware 1934-1950 by Joe Paradis provides the definitive shape and glaze catalog
- Shape numbers stamped on bases cross-reference easily to published guides
- Original company catalogs occasionally surface and provide production dates for specific shapes