Hitting Thrift Store Jackpot: Uncovering Valuable Pottery Gems

Stepping into a thrift store can be like entering a whole other world. Tons of decor items to dig through, racks of clothes in every style, and sometimes, those hidden gems that make you stop in your tracks. Whether you spend more time at thrift stores than your own home or only visit every few months, it’s good to know which pieces to keep an eye out for, especially when it comes to pottery. There are quite a few valuable pottery brands that can turn up in thrift stores, and one that should be on your radar is Grueby Faience pottery.

The Grueby Faience Company was founded in 1897 in Boston by William H. Grueby, an influential member of the Arts and Crafts Movement. This movement focused on the beauty of everyday objects and arose as a rebellion against industrial mass production. This philosophy is reflected in Grueby’s pottery, with gorgeous hand-thrown vases often adorned with stylized plant motifs. His work was celebrated worldwide, with Grueby winning awards at expositions across the globe.

The fame of Grueby pottery means that finding a piece in a thrift store is an incredible find. Grueby pieces are so valuable and important that they’re displayed in galleries and museums across the country, like The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Grueby pottery can be worth thousands of dollars, with a vase selling for $431,250 at a Sotheby’s auction in 2020.

When searching for Grueby pottery, look out for pieces in subtle matte tones. Inspired by French potters, Grueby developed a matte finish that became a signature of the company, especially an earthy green shade used on many pieces. If you’ve found a matte piece, take a closer look for other signs it could be Grueby. Many Grueby vases feature stylized designs that are either carved or added on, often paying homage to the natural world with leaves and flowers as common motifs. Geometric curves and lines can also be found.

Most Grueby pottery will have some kind of markings or inscriptions. Typically, the design is a small lotus flower with “Grueby Pottery, Boston, U.S.A” or “Grueby Faience Co., Boston, U.S.A.” written around it. The flower can be tough to spot, though, as the heavy glaze can obscure it.

Of course, fakes do exist, so it can be hard to know if you’ve got the real deal without an expert eye. If you think you’ve found a Grueby piece, it’s best to get it appraised. You never know – you might have just struck gold!