The Pottery Brand Collectors Are Always Searching For (It's So Unique & Valuable)

Pottery elevates home décor with unique handcrafted pieces that add texture, nature, and charm to any room. The options to decorate with pottery in your home are nearly limitless. However, certain brands — both old and new — are highly sought after by collectors. One name ceramics collectors are always searching for at thrift stores and on online secondhand marketplaces is Shearwater. Some pieces boast prices well into the thousands of dollars because each item is handcrafted.

Shearwater Pottery is a family-owned Mississippi pottery company founded by Peter Anderson in 1928. Anderson was soon joined by his brothers in the business, and his children still own the company today. In fact, the factory is still producing unique Shearwater wares. The company name was inspired by the type of pottery crafted in their studio — high-quality earthenware made from Tennessee white clay and a local buff-bodied clay found in Mississippi and Alabama.

Given the brand's longevity, pieces can be found in homes throughout the United States, with enthusiasts and collectors seeking out the brand for its uniqueness, history, and artistry. Shearwater pottery isn't just beautiful; its also highly functional, adding to it's appeal. Plus, each piece of pottery is handmade, making it unique. Peter Anderson was so dedicated to the individuality of his pottery that, after a brief foray into department store sales, he quickly went back to selling only out of his own store. One busy Facebook group dedicated to collectors of this pottery, The Shearwater Pottery Collector's Group, has more than 1,600 members.

Knowing how to identify authentic vintage pottery can help you spot unique and valuable pieces no matter where you're shopping. Over the decades, Shearwater Pottery has produced a wide variety of hand-painted and decoratively carved designs. Peter Anderson focused on practical and pretty designs, from bowls, vases, and jars to candleholders, pots, and plates. His brothers, Walter and James, created whimsical cast and hand-painted animal and fairy tale figurines.

Shearwater wares are usually marked, which is helpful for collectors, but the marks vary depending on the time period and artisan. Originally, the pottery was marked with the Shearwater name in an arch. In the 1960s, a circle surrounded the arched name, later becoming a rectangle. Some of the markings contain the initials of the artisan. A monogram with a P and A denotes pieces made by Peter Anderson. Others include an interlocked S and J for Walter and James, as well as J Mc CA for James McConnell Anderson.

Prices for Shearwater pieces vary widely depending on the object and its age. Occasionally, you may get lucky and find vintage pottery brands at the thrift store. One TikTok user @elizabethbleier found a Shearwater woodpecker mug at a thrift store for $2.50 and found similar pieces selling for nearly $200 online. This pottery can also be found on eBay with newer pieces ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars. Vintage pieces crafted by the original three brothers in the early 20^th century can be found on antique auction sites at prices well into the thousands.