Last weekend I was all giddy about going to an auction that had a great selection of old stuff. Well, a lot of other people had the same idea, and the prices were quite high. I see signs of an economic recovery, which is great for the auctioneer in this scenario, but not so good for the wholesale buyer (me). So I took some pictures and left!
"Stick spatter ware" is something that you don't come across every day, and there were a couple plates decorated with this method at the auction I'd like you to see for today's "Show and Tell":
The three examples I'm showing you here are similar in terms of their decorative motifs, which are simple floral designs. Other common stick spatter ware motifs include a bow tie, smoke rings, and diamonds. Often there will be a hand painted focal design such as a guinea hen or pea fowl, a rabbit or even a frog in the center of the plate or on a pitcher or other functional piece. Often made in England, pieces won't be marked "Stick Spatter Ware". They could, however, have the name of the company that made it, such as Adams, one of the long time pottery factories of the Staffordshire area, or might have a mark that simply says "Staffordshire England".
Stick spatter ware is an earthenware pottery, not ironstone. Besides England, it was produced in Scotland and other European countries, often for export to America. Not originally intended as a decorative art, but rather as everyday functional pieces, stick spatter ware was produced from the 1820's until the end of the 19th century. The actual design wasn't made by a stick, but a sponge cut into a specific shape then tied to the end of a stick. The sponge was then dipped into the glaze pigment, and carefully applied to the vessel before firing. Other details were added by using a brush.
This wonderful stick spatter ware teapot made by Adams of England recently sold on eBay for $325:
The charming stick spatter ware plate (below) with rabbits as a focal point sold at Cowan's Auctions for $575:
Photo Credit: Cowan's Auctions
Although I don't typically deal in high end antiques, I've sold a couple pieces of stick spatter ware over the years. In fact, I have a bowl in one of my booths right now that has been sitting around for quite some time. I'm thinking I should give it to Cowan's Auctions!
You might come across a lone stick spatter ware plate in a pile at a flea market or other selling venue some time, so I think it's definitely good to know what stick spatter ware looks like. The one plate you find and sell on eBay will pay for the gas to all your flea market trips for the rest of the year!
Mitzi
ive got a plate that i think may be spatterware. quite a design on it. no markings on back tho. also have a painting that i know is very old. there is no where in thiese 2 little "towns" that i know of to check these out.... mitzi, what do i do??????
Posted by: Susan Beaty | 08/28/2012 at 12:49 AM
Hi Susan,
Much of the old stick spatterware wont have markings on the underside. You could send me a picture of the plate and Ill let you know what I think. With the painting, an artist signature is all-important. You might need to take it out of the frame, because the signature could be hiding under the frame. If you can find a signature, you can look up the artist in Davenports Art Reference Guide to get more information, if he or she is listed. If not, and you want to sell it, you could just put it on eBay and see what happens...or you could take it to a big-city antique mall and ask an expert there what they think about it.
I hope that helps a little!
Mitzi
Posted by: Mitzi Curi | 08/28/2012 at 09:10 AM