Norse Pottery: Arts & Crafts Stoneware from Edgerton, Wisconsin
Norse Pottery was produced by the Norse Pottery Company in Edgerton, Wisconsin, from 1903 to 1913. Founded by Thorwald Sampson and Louis Ipsen, both Danish immigrants, the pottery drew heavily on Scandinavian and Viking design traditions. Norse Pottery is distinguished by its dark metallic black glaze that resembles ancient bronze or hammered metal, often combined with incised Norse-inspired decoration including serpents, dragons, geometric interlace patterns, and runic motifs. Production was limited and the factory's short lifespan makes Norse Pottery relatively scarce.
Identification & Marks
- Incised mark: Most pieces bear an incised "Norse" on the base, sometimes accompanied by a model number
- Black metallic glaze: The signature finish resembles aged bronze or patinated metal -- this is the key visual identifier
- Construction: Pieces are wheel-thrown or molded stoneware with a heavy, substantial feel
- Decoration: Incised or applied Viking-inspired motifs; serpents, interlace knotwork, and geometric borders are typical
- Period: All genuine Norse Pottery dates from 1903-1913; anything outside this range is not authentic
Types & Styles
- Vases: The most common form, ranging from small bud vases to large floor pieces
- Bowls: Deep and shallow forms with incised rim decoration
- Steins and mugs: Norse-themed drinking vessels with Viking motifs
- Jardinières: Large planters with applied decoration
- Candlesticks: Viking-inspired forms with serpent or dragon handles
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small vase (4-6") | $100 | $300 | $700 |
| Medium vase (7-10") | $200 | $600 | $1,500 |
| Large vase (12"+) | $400 | $1,000 | $3,000 |
| Bowl (incised decoration) | $150 | $400 | $1,000 |
| Stein or mug | $150 | $400 | $900 |
| Jardinière | $200 | $600 | $1,800 |
Condition Factors
- The black metallic glaze is durable but chips reveal the lighter clay body beneath, making damage visible
- Incised decoration should be crisp and well-defined; worn or rubbed details reduce appeal
- Applied serpent or dragon elements are fragile and prone to breakage; intact examples are essential for full value
- Hairline cracks modestly reduce value but are less damaging than on glazed pottery because the dark surface partially conceals them
- Original surface patina is desirable; aggressive cleaning can remove the aged bronze effect
Collecting Tips
- Norse Pottery is genuinely rare due to its ten-year production window and limited output
- The pottery has crossover appeal with Arts and Crafts, Viking/Norse revival, and American art pottery collectors
- Pieces with elaborate incised decoration command significantly more than plain or simply decorated examples
- After the Edgerton factory closed, some molds and techniques were used briefly at the A.W. Wheaton pottery in Rockford, Illinois -- these pieces are related but distinct
- Norse Pottery appears infrequently at auction; regional Midwest dealers and shows are often better sources
- The metallic black finish can be confused with similar finishes by other potteries; always check for the incised "Norse" mark