Thursday, April 27, 2017

Watt Pottery

In 1935 the Watt family started producing hand painted pottery that has been highly collectible for years. Like everything with the new tech generation this pottery has slowly dropped in value. Watt pottery was produced in Ohio. The plant closed in the 1960's. The hand painted patterns were the wares I grew up scouting at flea markets for my Grandfather. He had many followers waiting for a rare piece phone call!
Many people collected the Apple and Rooster pattern. I still will purchase Watt at garage sales. I have never had an issue reselling this pottery. Usually people have know idea it's value. Many times I have picked up creamer pitchers for $1 and easily resell for $25. I once stopped at a garage sale when I was about twenty and picked up a mint condition never used large serving bowl. It was the lady's grandmother's and was stuffed in an attic. I paid fifty cents. That bowl at the time was worth almost $200. Sadly today at a high end show I would be lucky to get $75.
I have seen some poor knocks offs at country stores or like Cracker Barrel. I say poor because if you know the authentic their pretty bad reproductions. Watt pottery colors are more subdued. The apples are not fire engine red but more deep and closer to burgundy.

Right now the hard to find pieces will still hold the most value. Casserole pots with the lid and no chips can still fetch at least $100. Mugs are rarely just found. Watch EBay auction prices. Get a feel for current rates. However don't get overly hung up on auction prices if you are reselling at a show. Remember shows don't have bidding wars. Also "rare" promo pieces again are going to skyrocket in price if you get the right collectors at the right time. Sometimes EBay can be tricky because you have old dealers or hoarders throwing out crazy numbers because they are in denial...you need to watch the piece and see if; sold, any bids, bids but did not reach buyer minimum. We all wish Grandma's hutch of goodies is worth a ton but!!!
As I always say be careful when purchasing average pottery or glass like Watt. The market is down because collectors well...are dying. So the last thing you want to buy is chipped, overly crazed or missing lid pieces. This stuff does not hold it's value in these circumstances because it is not rare, important to industry or in demand.


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