Bruce and Vicki Waasdorp completed their annual fall absentee bid pottery auction on September 18. The sale consisted almost exclusively of American decorated stoneware and redware. This auction had a surprising twist as the top lot in the sale was a Canadian piece. It was a miniature “plow” flower decorated butter churn complete with dasher and guide, standing only 5 inches tall.
It was impressed with the Canadian potter’s mark, James O’Hara Picton. The price realized of $34,650 is thought to be an auction record for a piece of Canadian decorated stoneware, according to the auction house.
Collectors of miniature stoneware in the United States bid competitively against an enthusiastic Canadian contingent. The winning bid came from a prominent Canadian collector who was happy to see the piece returned to the country of origin.
There were a few other Canadian pieces in the sale that also fared well. Two vendor jugs attributed to the Welding Brantford pottery and a 1-gallon Hamilton jug were offered. The 1-gallon Hamilton realized a price of $300. The 2-gallon jug from Gault, Ontario, brought $300 and the one from St Thomas fetched $360.
The top American stoneware lot in the sale was a highly sought-after classic folk art design. A 3-gallon cream pot marked Lyons with a signature star face design realized $10,725.
Prices reported include the 10 percent buyer’s premium. For more information, www.antiques-stoneware.com or 716-759-2361.
