Preliminary identification

Abingdon Pottery Fish Vase, Model #462

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

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Build on this identification

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Market Analysis

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.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD