It Was Born In Colorado — The Thrift Store Gem You Shouldn't Pass Up

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On the cusp of the 20th century, one of the most enduring pottery studios in America was born. Artus Van Briggle first arrived in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1899, and would found his own studio a few years later. The Van Briggle Pottery Company was one of the longest-operating pottery studios in the U.S. until it closed its doors in 2012. Despite having shut down production, Van Briggle Pottery left an untouchable legacy behind. And now, it's one of the most iconic American vintage pottery brands to be on the lookout for at the thrift store.

Artus Van Brigglegained an appreciation for a variety of arts while learning in Europe, but settled down in America to establish himself as a master potter. Prior to founding Van Briggle Pottery, he even served as the leading director of the renowned Rookwood Pottery in Ohio. Though Artus led a short life, passing away in 1904 at the age of 35, his wife, Anne, carried on his work. The company itself went through a few relocations and changes of ownership over its history, but it remained open for over a century despite its struggles. While the company dabbled in a handful of design styles, they were well-known for their Art Nouveau style and matte finishes . Some of its most famous pieces are now housed proudly in the Smithsonian and other museums, but if you're lucky, you just may be able to find a piece of Van Briggle pottery at a thrift store or estate sale.

If you think you've spotted a genuine Van Briggle Pottery piece, there are a few tips on how to identify authentic vintage pottery at the thrift store, starting with the markings on the bottom. For Van Briggle pieces, check for a double "AA" inside a box. It will likely look hand-written since these marks were incised into the wet clay by hand. Depending on when it was produced, it might also have "Van Briggle" or "Colorado Springs, Colorado" written on the bottom. Works marked with dates before the 1920s are particularly valuable finds, with some pieces going for thousands of dollars on online marketplaces.

Typically, a Van Briggle Pottery piece will have a distinct molded form, with vases often floral-inspired. For example, this Van Briggle vase from the late teens features a pattern of leaves and flowers with a tapered shape, glazed with a blue and pink gradient. With such a wide range of forms and designs, including bowls, candlesticks, and vases in a variety of Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts styles, it can be difficult to catalogue every Van Briggle piece you may run into. A truly incredible find at any thrift store would be a piece inspired by the human figure, like the Van Briggle 1920s brown Lorelei ceramic vase. The Lorelei vase was one of Artus Van Briggle's first vase forms, with one even on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. A piece with this organic motif would be a rare treat for any avid collector, and a valuable, high-end item to find at a thrift store.