By Manning Garrett
Operating from 1912 through around 1917, Grand Feu
Pottery was a small, quirky pottery studio operating out of
Los Angeles, California. The company's relatively short
production period led to limited output, which has led to
limited availability on the collector's market today. Pieces
can vary in price from $500 for a small, simple, unexciting
piece to around $10,000 for an exceptional vase. However,
these values vary based on individual factors, including the
markings on your art pottery.
Markings
Almost all Grand Feu Pottery is marked. The most popular
mark you will see on this company's art pottery pieces is a
simple stamp reading "Grand Feu Pottery, L.A., Cal."
Collectors strongly prefer these pieces, and their value is
higher than other Grand Feu pieces.
The other mark you may find on later period pieces is one
which says "Brauckman Art Pottery." These pieces are
worth less than those which reference the California studios
because they were made with inferior glazing and inferior
heft to the clay.
Lasting Quality
Grand Feu did something that few other art pottery
production studios were able to do: create beautiful pottery
pieces that would last. The company created pieces which
define the concept of lasting quality by using rich, hard
clays to create thicker bodies able to withstand extreme
temperatures when fired. This ability to withstand high heat
also allowed Grand Feu the opportunity to create deep and
intensely beautiful glazes.
Ultimately, the rarity of these pieces are entirely due to its
limited production period. Most of the pieces the company
created have withstood the test of time.
Value
The value of Grand Feu Pottery pieces depends on several
different factors. As mentioned previously, whether it is
marked as "Grand Feu" or "Brauckman Art" will have a
substantial effect on value. Beyond that, you will want to
seek out larger pieces. Pieces over six inches tall or that
are exceptionally wide are quite rare. With pieces of any
size, look for items with handles, lids, or reticulated
designs. Seek out pieces with more color and texture to
their glazing over more simple glazes.
Appraisal
If you have a piece of this pottery, you may be surprised at
its value. You may be able to get some idea based on the
value of other Grand Feu pieces, but the only certain way to
discern the value of your piece is to seek out a professional
appraisal
Manning Garrett is the owner of Art Pottery. His team is
made up of specialists in buying and appraising antique
pottery as well as identifying American art pottery marks .
We also offer helpful information for customers on our
website as to how to identify and value pottery based on
their glaze, mark and shape.
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