Pennsbury Pottery: Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Art Ceramics
Pennsbury Pottery was a hand-decorated redware and earthenware pottery operating in Morrisville, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, from 1950 to 1971. Founded by Henry and Lee Below (both formerly of Stangl Pottery), Pennsbury produced charming, hand-painted tableware and decorative pieces featuring Pennsylvania Dutch motifs, Amish figures, folk art birds, and patriotic American themes. The pottery's distinctive brown-drip glazed ware and colorful sgraffito-style decoration have made it a popular regional collectible.
History
Henry Below managed production at Stangl Pottery in Trenton, New Jersey, before founding Pennsbury with his wife Lee in 1950. The pottery's style was heavily influenced by Pennsylvania German folk traditions and drew on the region's rich decorative arts heritage. At its peak, Pennsbury employed about 50 decorators. After Henry Below's death in 1959 and Lee Below's death in 1968, the pottery struggled financially and closed in 1971. The remaining inventory was sold at auction.
Types and Patterns
| Pattern/Type | Description | Popularity |
|---|---|---|
| Rooster/Red Rooster | Stylized rooster in red, green, brown | Most common |
| Amish/Hex | Amish figures, hex signs, plain people scenes | Very popular |
| Eagle | Patriotic eagle designs | Popular |
| Black Rooster | Dark rooster variant | Moderate |
| Folkart | General folk motifs, tulips, hearts | Moderate |
| Commemorative | Railroad, historical events, fraternal orders | Collected by theme |
| Bird plaques | Wall plates with various bird species | Popular |
| Motto/slogan ware | Pieces with humorous or folk sayings | Popular |
Identification and Marks
- Most pieces marked "PENNSBURY POTTERY" or "PENNSBURY POTTERY MORRISVILLE PA" on the base
- Some early pieces marked with a kiln and "Pennsbury Pottery" in script
- Hand-painted decorator marks (initials) appear on some pieces
- The characteristic brown-drip glaze on cream/white body is distinctive
- Sgraffito-style decoration (incised lines through colored slip) is typical
- Forms closely resemble Stangl Pottery shapes due to the Belows' background
Auction Price Ranges
| Item | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Common mug or cup, Rooster pattern | $10-$35 |
| Dinner plate, standard pattern | $15-$50 |
| Bird plaque, wall hanging | $25-$100 |
| Amish figural piece (couple, buggy) | $30-$150 |
| Large serving platter, decorated | $40-$150 |
| Commemorative plate (railroad, event) | $25-$125 |
| Cookie jar, decorated | $50-$200 |
| Angel or figural candle holder | $30-$100 |
| Complete dinner service, 8 settings | $300-$1,000 |
Condition Factors
- The brown-drip glaze chips easily, especially on rims and edges
- Crazing in the glaze is common and generally accepted unless severe
- Hand-painted decoration should be clear and unfaded
- Some pieces show kiln imperfections (glaze bubbles, uneven color) that are factory-original
- Wall plaques should retain original hanging hardware
- Damaged pieces have minimal value given the relative availability of replacements
Collecting Tips
- Pennsbury is often confused with Stangl Pottery due to similar styles; check marks carefully
- Commemorative and railroad-themed pieces attract crossover collectors and can bring premium prices
- Amish and folk-themed pieces are the most characteristically "Pennsbury" and remain popular
- Complete dinner services are uncommon since most pieces were sold individually as gifts and souvenirs
- The pottery's relatively short production period (1950-1971) means supply is finite
- Regional popularity in the Delaware Valley/Pennsylvania area keeps demand steady
- Bird plaques make attractive wall displays and are a natural entry point for new collectors