Encyclopedia of Marks on American, English, and European Earthenware, Ironstone, Stoneware (1780-1980): Makers, Marks, and Patterns in Blue and White, ... Ironstone (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) [Hardcover]

Arnold A. Kowalsky (Author), Dorothy E. Kowalsky (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Schiffer Book for Collectors | Publication Date: June 1999

This authoritative reference work identifies thousands of marks from American, English and European potters. In the main body of the text, the marks are presented by potter in alphabetical order. Included in each potter's listing is the location of the firm, a brief history of the company, the span of years from the firm's establishment until its dissolution, and any former and subsequent company affiliations associated with that firm. The marks associated with that potter are presented in chronological order. Also provided are listings of further readings for those wishing either to delve deeper into the history of the firm or to view images of wares upon which these marks appear. American and Canadian importers, and the potters for whom they imported wares, are also identified. In addition, numerous appendices provide future information pertaining to ware types and printed patterns produced by the various potters, registry dates, and much more. A glossary of pottery terms and an extensive bibliography round out the presentation. This encyclopedia, years in the making, provides the most current research on potters spanning two hundred years and is the essential reference for everyone interested in ceramics.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The title of this book pretty much sums up its contents. It features listings of a variety of marks associated with each pottery firm, the location of the firms, and their history and dates of operation. The same "Marks Numbering System" devised by Geoffrey A. Godden, the reigning expert on British pottery, is continued for each entry in this book (the book is, in fact, dedicated to Godden and includes an introduction by him as well). In addition, there are numerous appendixes that list, for example, patterns of each firm in alphabetical order, major importers, merchants, and auctioneers specializing in earthenwares in the United States and Canada; a glossary of pottery terms and separate indexes for English, continental, and American potters. Although the book's coverage of "European" potters' marks (as opposed to English potters and their marks) is limited to just 22 pages--slightly more than 20 different potters--this is nonetheless a valuable reference tool and would be a useful addition to most public libraries and all specialized art libraries.
-Margarete Gross, Chicago P.L.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Arnold A. Kowalsky has been a serious ceramics researcher for many years. He is also a dealer in Flow Blue ceramics. He and his wife Dorothy, who entered every listing for this encyclopedia into the computer, live in New York.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 688 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Pub Ltd (June 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764307312
• ISBN-13: 978-0764307317
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #542,885 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kowalsky Book Surpasses Godden's Standard Reference, January 7, 2002

By 

Ron Lindsey "bookmantoo" (Pasadena, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of Marks on American, English, and European Earthenware, Ironstone, Stoneware (1780-1980): Makers, Marks, and Patterns in Blue and White, ... Ironstone (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

For years, serious collectors of pottery and porcelain relied on the works of Geoffrey Godden to assist them in their search for manufacturer's marks. Other authors produced different books, but Godden always remained the standard. Those days are over as Arnold A. and Dorothy E. Kowalsky have now produced what will undoubtedly become the definitive ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MARKS. Emphasizing the products of American, English and European earthenware, ironstone and stoneware from 1780-1980, the Kowalsky's present - as their book jacket states - "Makers, Marks, and Patterns in Blue and White, Historic Blue, Flow Blue, Mulberry, Romantic Transferware, Tea Leaf and White Ironstone." Containing 688 pages and hundreds of manufacturer's marks, this masterpiece highlights - and cross references to Geoffrey Godden - American Potteries and Marks, English Potters and Patterns, and European Potters and Patterns. Also included are notes from selected authorities spotlighting transfer printing on blue and white ceramics, historical Staffordshire, Flow Blue, Mulberry Ironstone, White Ironstone and Copper Lustre Decorative Motifs on White Ironstone China. The authors have diligently provided a guide for readers to know how to use their book. Some books are written for information; some for pleasure. This wonderful addition to the world of antiques and collectibles provides both information and pleasure. You really can't get any better than this!!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedia of Marks, November 20, 2009

By 

Meg "Archaeologist" (El Paso, TX) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Encyclopedia of Marks on American, English, and European Earthenware, Ironstone, Stoneware (1780-1980): Makers, Marks, and Patterns in Blue and White, ... Ironstone (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

This is a good book to have if you ever come across a rare makers mark sherd in archaeology. I used this book a lot more when I lived on the east coast, not as much in El Paso, TX.... Still a good one to have on the shelf.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Encyclopedia of Marks, November 29, 2009

By 

P. Brown "Stoneware Fan" (Baltimore, Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Encyclopedia of Marks on American, English, and European Earthenware, Ironstone, Stoneware (1780-1980): Makers, Marks, and Patterns in Blue and White, ... Ironstone (A Schiffer Book for Collectors) (Hardcover)

One of the best books on the subject I've owned. It has become a constant reference for me and is usually the stopping point in any hunt for a mark I'm unfamiliar with.