Page 44 - JOA-2-21

Journal of Antiques and Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to present:

Asheford Institute of Antiques
www.asheford.com
APPRAISERS CORNER A Commitment to Excellence Since 1966

Certified Appraisal Training

Hello – production kicked into gear.
I have recently inherited this vase and wish to know if it is genuine, age, Artus Van Briggle died from
condition, and value for insurance purposes. It is 11” tall. tuberculosis just three years later
- Pat in 1904, but the company
continued until 2012 when it
Hello Pat, and thank you very much for submitting such a beautiful closed. Just before he passed,
piece of American Art Pottery. Artus heard the news that
You are asking all of the correct questions including a question of examples of his work had been
value for insurance purposes. When a certified antiques appraiser is hailed at exhibitions in the U.S.
called to evaluate any item, a few questions have to be asked to the and in Europe, with one of
owner of the piece to be appraised. the judges stating the work
One of my questions is; what kind of an appraisal do you need? was “a supreme discovery in
There are different types of appraisals that can be offered depending modern ceramics.”
upon what information is needed, but two basic appraisals are an Van Briggle pottery was Art
“appraisal for personal or entertainment purposes” and an “appraisal for Nouveau in its essence and has
insurance purposes.” The appraisal for personal or entertainment always been a favorite pottery
purposes gives the person, at the least, an idea of authenticity – market collectible. The earliest examples
desirability, condition, and a value range so the owner will know what are the most valuable bringing
they have. This type of evaluation could possibly be done with the use thousands of dollars when found
of photos depending on the purpose of use. for sale. Your 11-inch pottery
An appraisal for insurance purposes should give an incredibly vase is the Lorelei pattern and is
detailed snapshot of the article being appraised with a full description, in a Van Briggle blue glaze. In
measurement, pictures, condition, market evaluation, and all written to regards to the markings on the
include language that an insurance company, estate attorney, etc., bottom of the vase, the conjoined
would need. In stating this, an appraisal for insurance purposes can and A at the top stands for Artus and
should only be conducted by a certified appraiser after viewing and Anna Van Briggle and is the
inspecting the item in person. In my opinion, there are only very few company logo. Van Briggle and
exceptions to this rule. For this appraisal, I can only give what is Colorado Springs are the name
deemed as an appraisal for personal or entertainment purposes based on and location of the Studio where
the pictures you have submitted. I do recommend that you seek a it was created. We know the vase
certified professional antiques and collectibles appraiser in your area to was created in the year 2000 as
give a written appraisal for insurance purposes. seen by the VB100 mark on the
Now, down to the basics. It is my opinion after viewing the pictures bottom. This mark was only used
you have sent that you have a genuine Van Briggle Lorelei pattern in the 100th anniversary year.
pottery vase. The two slash marks to the
Van Briggle Pottery center-right signify the glaze
was started in 1901 by sprayer who was Martha Oliver,
Artus and his then-to-be who was with the company from
wife Anne. In the 1880s, 1970 until 2006. The initials
Artus accepted a position at the bottom are most likely
as a painter with finisher initials unknown to
the Rookwood Pottery me. Your vase appears to be in
Company in Ohio where excellent condition with no
his artistry was noticed. cracks, checking, or chips.
Rookwood founder Maria If I were to see your Van
Storer sent him to Paris Briggle Lorelei Vase at an upper-
to study painting where end auction, I would expect it
he became a world-class to have an estimated value
painter. In 1899 Artus of $350+.
moved to Colorado Pat, you have a beautiful and
Springs for his health and very collectible Van Briggle
met his then-to-be wife Lorelei vase. Display it and enjoy
Anne and started Van it for the great piece of American
Briggle Pottery. Artus was art Pottery it is.
driven to develop his own
matte glaze, something David Moore is part of the “Ask the Experts” appraising team for the
which set him apart from Asheford Institute of Antiques where he is an Honors graduate and a
Artus and Anne Van Briggle at work, other pottery makers. Certified Asheford Institute of Antiques Appraiser. Mr. Moore has been
early 20th century The desired outcome buying, researching and selling the rare and unusual in antiques for
over 50 years. David is currently the owner of D.L. Moore, CAA, an
photo: veniceclayartists took place in 1901, and
antiques appraisal business.
The Journal of Antiques & Collectibles and Asheford Institute of Antiques have teamed up to provide our readers with professional appraisers to help you learn more
about and value your finds. Do you have questions about something you have acquired? We welcome your questions and photos. Send your information to
editorial@journalofantiques.com or mail to Journal of Antiques & Collectibles, PO Box 950, Sturbridge, MA 01566 attn: Appraisers Corner. To learn more about
becoming a “certified” antiques appraiser, visit www.asheford.com or contact the Admissions Office toll free at 877-444-4508.

42 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles