Buffalo Pottery Deldare: Hand-Decorated Art Pottery
Deldare Ware is the most celebrated and collectible product line of Buffalo Pottery, produced primarily during two periods: 1908-1909 and 1923-1925. Named with a contraction of "Delft" and "ware," Deldare features hand-decorated scenes in rich olive green with polychrome details, depicting English village life, tavern scenes, and characters from literature. Every piece is individually decorated by hand, making each one unique. Deldare Ware is considered one of the finest American art pottery productions of the early 20th century.
History and Production
- 1908: First Deldare Ware introduced; initial production run of approximately 18 months
- 1908-1909: First period production; the most sought-after pieces
- 1909: "Emerald Deldare" variant produced briefly, featuring Art Nouveau designs on a brighter green ground
- 1923-1925: Second period production; slightly different color palette and scene selection
- All pieces: Each is individually hand-painted by Buffalo Pottery decorators, with many artists signing their work
Scene Categories
"Ye Olden Days" Scenes
- Scenes of English village life in the 18th century
- "Ye Village Street," "Ye Town Crier," "Ye Olden Days"
- Country and pastoral settings with figures in period costume
Fallowfield Hunt Scenes
- Fox hunting scenes depicting riders, hounds, and rural landscapes
- "The Start," "The Death," "Breaking Cover," "The Return"
- Among the most popular and valuable Deldare subjects
Literary Scenes
- Illustrations from works by Oliver Goldsmith and other authors
- "The Vicar of Wakefield" subjects
- Dr. Syntax series scenes
Identifying Deldare Ware
- Backstamp: "DELDARE WARE UNDERGLAZE" with Buffalo Pottery mark and date
- Date codes: 1908, 1909 (first period) or 1923, 1924, 1925 (second period)
- Artist signatures: Many pieces carry decorator initials; notable artists include W. Foster, M. Broel, and H. Stuart
- Body: Standard Buffalo Pottery semi-vitreous body under distinctive olive-green glaze
- Borders: Characteristic geometric or floral border designs frame each scene
Auction Prices and Market Values
| Category | Typical Range | Exceptional Pieces |
|---|---|---|
| Plates (9-10 inch) | $150-$400 | $800+ for rare scenes |
| Mugs and tankards | $200-$500 | $1,000+ for Fallowfield Hunt |
| Tea tiles/trivets | $150-$350 | $600+ |
| Pitchers | $300-$800 | $1,500+ for large Hunt scenes |
| Candlesticks (pair) | $300-$700 | $1,200+ |
| Punch bowls | $500-$2,000 | $4,000+ |
| Emerald Deldare pieces | $400-$1,500 | $3,000+ |
| Hair receivers and humidors | $200-$600 | $1,200+ |
Condition Factors
- Glaze condition: The olive-green glaze should be intact without significant scratching or wear
- Scene clarity: Decoration should be crisp and detailed; faded or worn painting reduces value
- Crazing: Some crazing is expected; heavy crazing with staining is problematic
- Chips and cracks: Any damage significantly reduces value given the collectibility of the line
- First period vs. second: First period (1908-1909) pieces generally command 20-40% more than second period
Collecting Tips
- Fallowfield Hunt scenes are the most popular and consistently command the highest prices
- Emerald Deldare is considerably rarer than standard Deldare and highly prized
- Complete place settings and matched sets command substantial premiums
- Study decorator signatures to identify the most skilled artists, whose work brings premium prices
- First period pieces (1908-1909) are preferred by serious collectors but second period pieces offer better value
- Large-form pieces (punch bowls, tankard sets, large platters) are the rarest and most valuable