Finding This Pottery Brand At The Thrift Store Is Like Winning The Lottery (It's So Valuable)

Stepping into a thrift store is sometimes like stepping into another world. Stacks of decor items to search through, rails of clothes in every type of style, and sometimes, those elusive finds that make you stop in your tracks. Whether you spend more time in thrift stores than your own home or tend to drop in every few months, it is helpful to know key pieces to keep an eye out for, especially when it comes to pottery. There are quite a few rare and valuable vintage pottery brands that sometimes crop up in thrift stores, and one that should be on your mind 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 emphasized the beauty in everyday objects and came about as a rebellion against industrial mass production. This philosophy is seen in the pottery he created, with beautiful hand-thrown vases often adorned with stylized plant motifs. His work was celebrated across the globe, with Grueby winning medals at expositions worldwide. 

The notoriety of Grueby pottery means that coming across a piece in a thrift store is an incredible find. Grueby pottery is so valuable and important that it is even displayed in galleries and museums across the country, such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Grueby pieces can be worth thousands of dollars, with a vase going for $431,250 at a Sotheby's auction in 2020. 

When searching for this valuable item at a thrift store, watch out for any pieces in subtle matte tones. Inspired by French potters, Grueby developed a matte finish that soon became synonymous with the company, especially an earthy green shade that adorned many pieces. If you have found a matte piece, it is time to look more closely for other signs that it may be Grueby. Many Grueby vases have stylized designs that are either carved or placed on. These designs often pay homage to the natural world, with leaves and flowers being common motifs. However, geometrical curves and lines can also be found. 

Most Grueby pottery pieces will have markings or inscriptions. Usually, the design is a small lotus flower with the wording "Grueby Pottery, Boston, U.S.A" or "Grueby Faience Co., Boston, U.S.A." encircling it. It may be difficult to see the flower on certain pieces as the heavy glaze can obscure it. 

Of course, fakes do exist, and it can be difficult to know if what you have in your hands is real or not without an expert eye. If you think you have found a Grueby piece, it is best to authenticate your thrifting find with an appraisal. You never know, you may have just struck gold!