So, what can you tell me about this Fulper piece?

May 13, 2010 1:24 PM

Can anyone tell me about this piece of Fulper Pottery. And, yes, I'm curious about price and history. I picked it up at a thrift store today. Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3.

All I know is that it was made in NJ and is from the early 1900s. I found that out here. I know that I can contact that place and ask questions, but I don't want to spend the $12 that they require for info.

Was this an expensive item in its day? Was/is it quality cookware? Is it safe to cook in today? Is it worth anything now (even with all those cracks)? When I look on Google images or ebay, all I see are the decorative pieces.

posted by toddst to Shopping (2 answers total)

This is a classic Cookware/Fire-proof/Earthenware (marketed under 1, 2, or 3 of these terms at any given time) casserole, c. 1900-1920 - which they advertised as being economical. I'd guess this was in the second half of that stretch of time.

These were widely advertised and this type of cookware wasn't cheap, but not really expensive, either. I'd bet the glaze wouldn't pass modern standards, though. These were popular, but around 1920, aluminum and other metal cookware exploded in popularity - they were cheaper and modern and took over.

This line is not one of the more widely collected types of Fulper (the later decorative-ware and the earlier/contemporaneous crocks and germ-proof stuff both have more traction in the collectibles market right now), probably because it was relatively utilitarian. In fact the catalog/values section of my Fulper/Stangl book ignores the line entirely, and there are few auction results on-line. In 2003, Rago Arts (a leading auction
house for 20th C art pottery; it looks like they'll do a rough appraisal for free) sold a 2 piece lot including a casserole for $230. The casserole had 1 hairline crack.

Cracks do reduce the value. There are a few things in its favor; it looks like the glazes are roughly intact, and the logo on the bottom looks very clear and embossed (and correct), which is always good. If had it in my antique booth, I'd probably price it at $75, and if I liked you, give you a deal for $60. That's a wild guess, though. I'd probably see if there was a better Fulper reference book than the one I have to price it better. It's
posted by julen at 4:29 PM on May 18, 2010

Response by poster: Thanks so much for the info. Just the other week, I sent a picture to Skinner Auctions and they told me that due to the cracks, "it isn't valuable." However, it is a nice looking piece that I might hang on to.
posted by toddst at 3:10 PM on June 23, 2010