The Valuable Vintage Pottery Brand With A Wide Range Of Stunning Vases

There is something charming about a vintage pottery piece. These creations often tell stories, with every mark, curve, and quirk holding information about its history and the hands that crafted it. When going through the shelves at your local thrift store, it is always a good idea to keep an eye out for pottery pieces, as they can often be pretty valuable. One vintage pottery line that you should always look out for is Royal Haeger, which is famous for creating stunning vases in various styles and colors, from bright animal shaped pieces to long, dark, matte designs. 

Royal Haeger was a line of pottery artware from the Haeger company, which came into existence in 1871 when the German immigrant David H. Haeger became the co-owner of Dundee Brickyard. Sitting along the Fox River in Illinois, the company grew under Haeger's (and his son's) guidance and began to make pottery in 1914. Unlike other competitors at the time who focused on high-end, fine art pottery pieces, Haeger focused on affordable, mass-produced items. The company wanted to bring art pottery to the masses, and it did. 

Although the company was respected, it was the Royal Haeger line that established it as an icon of pottery. The mid-century designs that came out from 1938 to 1944, when Royal Hickman was chief designer, are the most sought-after and valuable. Today, some smaller, simpler pieces go for around $35, while larger, more intriguing vases are worth around $300. However, there are certain pieces that are worth over $500,  meaning it is always a good idea to search for this authentic vintage pottery at the thrift store. 

Royal Haeger was strongly influenced by the Art Deco style, with vases often borrowing from this artistic movement. Vases shaped like animals and leaves or in dramatic elongated or curved shapes are hallmarks of this pottery line, so watch out for anything like this in your local thrift store. The colors are often bold and saturated, with some having a matte finish that brings a sophisticated edge to the vase. 

If you think you have found a Royal Haeger vase, you need to authenticate your latest thrifting find by examining it for markings. Take a look at the underside of the vase and see if you can spot the 'Haeger USA' or 'Royal Haeger' marking. There will also be a model number near the name markings. The first Royal Haeger pieces were assigned the number R01, with the numbers ascending as time went by. Once you have confirmed that it is Royal Haeger, you may wish to sell it on to get some cash, but there's always the option to use it in your home to bring a dash of Art Deco glamour to your space.