The Rare Teapot You Should Never Turn A Blind Eye To If You Pass It At A Thrift Store

If you're willing to root and dig your way around, the thrift store can be a gold mine for hidden, worthwhile treasures. From valuable brands of vintage porcelain that are worth looking out for to designer home goods that have been mistakenly under-priced, you just never know what's waiting for you on the shelves of your local thrift shop. And if you're the type of thrifter who's always on the hunt for rare finds, then you'll want to add this vintage John Bartlam tea pot to your thrift wish list ASAP.

As far as teapots go, this is one of the most valuable items you can seek out at the thrift store. Originally produced in the 18th century, Bartlam pottery has historically garnered quite the hefty price tag. In 2018, for example, one of his teapots sold at auction for over $600,000. This was a pretty massive amount, especially when you consider that particular pot was originally picked up for just $20 at the thrift store. These pieces are recognized as the first porcelain produced in the U.S., which adds to their rarity and overall value.  

Finding a genuine John Bartlam tea pot in the wild is incredibly rare. Only a handful of his pottery has survived over the years and most of the pieces currently live in museums. However, if you took any lesson from that 2018 pottery sale, it's that anything is possible. When searching for Bartlam pottery, there are a few distinct characteristics that you should keep your eyes open for. For starters, pieces produced in Bartlam's South Carolina factory will feature a Palmetto motif and a gorgeous cobalt blue glaze.

Bartlam's art style is another stand-out feature that can help you identify his pieces. Additionally, Bartlam was known for experimenting with different clays, ingredients, and soft-paste porcelain, which have left his remaining works with a distinct chemical signature. In addition to these tips, if you think you've stumbled upon one of these rare teapots, using an appraiser to authenticate your thrift find is essential, especially if you plan on reselling the item.