Harker Pottery: American Dinnerware & Kitchen China
Harker Pottery Company was one of America's oldest pottery firms, founded by Benjamin Harker Sr. in 1840 in East Liverpool, Ohio, and operating continuously until 1972. The company produced a wide range of utilitarian and decorative pottery, but is best known among collectors for its Cameoware line (white designs on colored backgrounds achieved through the engobe decorating technique) and its mid-century dinnerware patterns. Harker's long history and varied production make it an accessible and rewarding collecting area.
History & Key Dates
- 1840: Benjamin Harker Sr. establishes pottery in East Liverpool, Ohio
- 1840-1890: Production of yellowware, Rockingham, and utilitarian stoneware
- 1890-1930: Transition to semi-porcelain dinnerware and kitchen items
- 1935: Introduces Cameoware using the engobe (slip-decorated) technique
- 1940s-1950s: Peak of decorative dinnerware production; dozens of popular patterns
- 1945: Moves to Chester, West Virginia facility
- 1969: Purchased by Jeannette Glass Company
- 1972: Factory closes permanently
Identification & Marks
- Early marks: "HARKER POTTERY CO." with an arrow or bow-and-arrow design
- Cameoware mark: "CAMEOWARE" in script or block letters, usually with "Harker"
- Shape names: Harker identified body shapes by names (Virginia, Zephyr, Swirl, Gadroon)
- Pattern names: Decorative patterns have names (Ivy, Petit Point, Deco Dahlia, Colonial Lady)
- "Hot Oven": Mark indicating ovenproof kitchenware
- "Oldest Pottery in America": Promotional mark used on some pieces
Popular Patterns & Lines
| Pattern/Line | Period | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cameoware | 1935-1960s | White engobe designs on colored grounds (blue, pink, yellow) |
| Ivy (Cameoware) | 1940s-50s | White ivy vine on green or blue ground |
| Colonial Lady | 1940s | Silhouette figure in period dress |
| Petit Point | 1940s-50s | Cross-stitch floral pattern |
| Deco Dahlia | 1930s-40s | Art Deco floral design |
| Chesterton | 1950s-60s | Solid color modern dinnerware |
| Sun Valley | 1950s | Pastel modern shapes |
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cameoware dinner plate | $5 | $15 | $35 |
| Cameoware serving piece | $10 | $30 | $75 |
| Cameoware rolling pin | $25 | $75 | $200 |
| Colonial Lady plate | $8 | $20 | $50 |
| Deco Dahlia piece | $10 | $25 | $60 |
| Hot Oven casserole | $8 | $20 | $50 |
| Early Rockingham piece (pre-1890) | $50 | $150 | $500 |
Condition Factors
- Crazing: Common on older pieces; light crazing is typical but heavy crazing with staining reduces value
- Chip damage: Rim and foot chips are frequent on frequently used dinnerware
- Engobe wear: On Cameoware, worn or scratched white decoration significantly reduces appeal
- Staining: Interior staining in bowls and cups from use is common
- Pattern clarity: Sharp, clear pattern decoration is preferred; faded or blurred patterns reduce value
Collecting Tips
- Cameoware is the most popular Harker collecting category; the blue ground with white design is most sought after
- Rolling pins, cake servers, and specialty pieces in Cameoware bring premiums over standard tableware
- Complete place settings and serving sets are increasingly difficult to assemble and command premiums when found
- Early Harker production (yellowware, Rockingham) appeals to a different collector base than mid-century dinnerware
- Harker is very affordably priced, making it an excellent choice for collectors who want to use their collection daily
- The East Liverpool, Ohio pottery district produced many competitors; do not confuse Harker with Homer Laughlin, Hall, or Taylor Smith & Taylor
- Reference: "Harker Pottery" by Neva Colbert provides comprehensive pattern and mark identification