Overview
A charming example of American Art Deco pottery, this piece features a stylized fish leaping from a base of sculpted waves.
Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
A charming example of American Art Deco pottery, this piece features a stylized fish leaping from a base of sculpted waves.
Story
In 1934, at the height of the Great Depression, the Abingdon Sanitary Manufacturing Company faced a dilemma: the market for their primary product—toilets and sinks—had dried up.
Maker / Origin
Abingdon was unique among American potteries because they used 'vitreous china,' the same incredibly durable, non-porous material used for bathroom fixtures.
Condition & Value
The piece appears to be in excellent condition with no visible chips or cracks. A major benefit of Abingdon's vitreous china is that it rarely develops the internal staining or surface crazing found in other vintage pottery. Excellent condition is standard for this maker and expected by collectors.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Regional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375