Anyone know the history behind this stoneware producer?

Anyone know the history behind this stoneware producer?

Jas. Benjamin Stoneware Depot Cincinnati O.

I see this maker's items in auctions and antique shops occasionally. Would like to eventually acquire an example but they are usually fairly pricey.

Thanks,
Joe

 

I found reference to it in this article and it says there is another article which I didn't read yet.

http://mccoypotterycollectorssociety.org/mccoy-pottery/w-nelson-mccoy-pottery-history/

 

Was at an auction on Saturday that had a 2 gallon crock from this manufacturer. Unfortunately the piece was broken and glued back together so I decided to pass. The damaged piece sold for $45. I see a bunch of crocks from this maker so I'll look for a better one.

There was a jug from another producer that I searched on Google and found some pretty strong results since they are apparently rare. It was also damaged with a broken handle and several chips on the spout. I didn't buy but was wondering if the piece was rare would it be worth taking a chance on if it sold cheaply? Condition issues seem to be more forgivable on stoneware than other pottery.

Your thoughts?
Thanks

 

I agree that damage is somewhat forgivable if the piece is rare. Pieces with small chips and hairlines will still sell. These items were made for use on farms and in industry so were heavily used. You can wait quite some time to find a perfect example. The Benjamin stoneware has a couple of things going for it. It is clearly marked so would have some cross appeal for Cincinnati collectors and stoneware collectors.

In general, the older the stoneware jug or crock the better. Decoration also plays a big part. Animals and birds in cobalt on a grey ground can reach very high prices. Damage to the decoration will seriously affect the price. Sometimes pieces can be identified from the decoration alone. And size matters - a rare size will bring higher prices than a common size.

Personally I don't deal or collect stoneware mainly because I haven't devoted the time necessary to really learn the market. And I do think in stoneware that knowledge is crucial. Here in the Midwest there are a lot of stoneware collectors and a mistake could be expensive. On the bright side, reproductions are very rare so the market is somewhat safe in that regard.

All this is JMHO but I hope it helps. Good luck in your hunt.
Don

 

If it's American stoneware personally I'd check Crocker Farms auction results and then I'd check Ebay and Liveauctioneers results. If you're buying to sell then somewhere in those results you may get an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind, of course, that selling through a real auction will probably cost you a lot more percentage-wise than if you can sell it yourself.

Generally I'd say that perfect pieces of any ceramic will be more valuable than pieces with damage but the more rare then the less effect it will probably have. I have a pretty large collection of old ceramics that I bought primarily for their research value and I'm happy to overlook their boo boos. In fact chips give a view into the body that you don't have in a perfect piece. That said, if for resale I'd prefer more perfect pieces.

The piece of German stoneware in my avatar has significant cracks but it's old and of a type that interests me. I think when I acquired it, it was probably less costly than more perfect examples but suited my interests and fit my pocketbook.