We receive a lot of emails asking for information on American art pottery. Rather than just responding to collector’s emails I am going to try answer more of these questions in blog posts.
This morning a new Rookwood pottery collector emailed asking for an explanation of the various marks on the bottom of his vase. The following summarizes the basic marks seen on Rookwood Pottery.
The most recognized logo in Rookwood history is the backwards R and P. T
his logo was used on virtually every piece of Rookwood produced from 1886 until the end of production in 1967. Between 1886 and 1900 one additional flame was impressed around the logo for each year; such that in 1900 fourteen flames surrounded the Rookwood trademark. For example the photo to the right shows the Rookwood trademark with 8 flames indicating this vase was produced in 1894. Beginning in 1901, the company stopped adding flames to the logo and started using roman numerals below the fourteen flame trademark to date the pottery. The use of Roman numerals to date Rookwood continued until the end of production in 1967.
In addition to the Rookwood flame trademark, the company marked its pottery with a corresponding shape number. 
Rookwood can be found with shape numbers running from 1 to 7301 impressed on the bottom of the pottery. Each shape design could be produced in multiple sizes. Rookwood sizes were defined with the letters A, B, C, D, E and F with A representing the largest size in a particular shape and F the smallest. Rookwood size letters were impressed and typically found right after the shape number. An example of the shape number and size notation can be seen in the photo of the bottom of the 1906 Rookwood vase to the right.
Decorated Rookwood pottery will have similar markings with the addition of the artist’s initials or cipher and often glaze notations such as V for vellum glazes, W for iris glazes, SG for sea green, etc.
Did any of this pottery come out Unmarked Thanks Bruce
1886 was a year that didn’t completely used the Rookwood Logo. I have a piece w/just the name Rookwood and the year. With the daly signature. Thought you might want the info.
what are the impressed dots that often appear on rookwood bottoms? …sometimes at various clock positions around flames, sometimes at bottom of shape number or to its right or left, sometimes off to the side.
The dots you often see on the bottom of Rookwood pottery are what is called finishers’ dots. Similar to artist ciphers the dots represent individual finishers. For example, Reuben Menzel and Albert Munson are recognized finishers. Mr. Menzel’s can be found left of the shape number and Albert Munson’s can be found at the 12:00 position above the flame marks.
Greg Myroth
http://www.justartpottery.com
The dots you often see on the bottom of Rookwood pottery are what is called finishers’ dots. Similar to artist ciphers the dots represent individual finishers. For example, Reuben Menzel and Albert Munson are recognized finishers. Mr. Menzel’s can be found left of the shape number and Albert Munson’s can be found at the 12:00 position above the flame marks.
I have a piece of rookwood and the dot is at the 3 oclock position. Do you have any idea who the finisher for this piece was ?
According to the reference books the dot at the 3 oclock location is for Albersman. This finisher is not referenced in readily available historical Rookwood documents.
Did Rookwood ever make Tea Pitchers around the 1930’s to 1960’s. My mother had one and it was a medium blue/teal color? I am trying to find one like it?
Our vase is marked xxxvii, with a mark @ the 3o’clock position. It has a number under the date of 6638. It is 10 1/2 inches tall, several shades of green. It has 3 embossed panels of weaving and 3 panels with 3 climbing monkeys. Can you give us any more information about the vase? Thank you
Hi! This is Jamie with Waverly House in Cincinnati. I have a piece of Rookwood marked LNv 1928 900c. I have searched and found no one to match those initials. Any suggestions??
I have 2 vases and 1 set of candle holders, all Sea Horse motif. Vase 5 1/2 inches tall, pink, XXVIII 2124 finshers dot directly under 2124 number.
Vase 7 inches tall, pink, XIX 1814 no finisher dot. Set of 2 candle holders, 4 inches, triangle blue green, XXVIII 1773 finisher fot directly under 1773.
When was these made, who was the finisher and where can I go in Seattle for a good value for insurance. Please and thank you
I have an small vase with a dot at the 11 o’clock position. It also has 2090 under XXI in the middle (I am guessing it was made in 1921.) My mom’s Aunt Jen worked at Rookwood in the early 20th Century and my family has collected and have several pieces. Any ideas on who might be the finisher might be?
I have an small vase with a dot at the 11 o’clock position. It also has 2090 under XXI in the middle (I am guessing it was made in 1921.) My mom’s Aunt Jen worked at Rookwood in the early 20th Century and my family has collected and have several pieces. Any ideas on who might be the finisher might be?
I found this old piece of pottery in my house. I have no idea where it came from. It’s marked with the Rookwood stamp and the letters XL 2985. It’s a white or ivory vase that stands about 4″ tall and about 5″ wide. Does anyone know which Rookwood book would be best to help me find it’s value? t.hilty@yahoo.com
we have a large blue and gold vase with pink flower and green leaves. Flowers and leaves seem to have been added. The vase has rookwood 1882 Y with a sig. of Suzzei Charles June 1883. Do you know anything about this vase.The Sig. is painted on the bottom
we have a large blue and gold vase with pink flower and green leaves. Flowers and leaves seem to have been added. The vase has rookwood 1882 Y with a sig. of Suzzei Charles June 1883. Do you know anything about this vase.The Sig. is painted on the bottom
just picked up a 1934 vase #6434 green flowered mint condition for $1.oo at flea market. What a find!!!
I have a green vase with the Rookwood stamp , XV 1698 and a dot under the 6 in 1698 any idea who the finisher is? The vase is about 6 inches high with small type handles near the top
Hi… I’m trying to identify a rookwood standard glaze 1899 floral vase I own that has the decorator initials of “O.C.P”.. It may be OGP but I think its more like OCP. I’m also noting that there’s no OCP in the Blog’s A-D “collector’s interest” categorizing of Rookwood Pottery. Any ideas?
Hi… I’m trying to identify a rookwood standard glaze 1899 floral vase I own that has the decorator initials of “O.C.P”.. It may be OGP but I think its more like OCP. I’m also noting that there’s no OCP in the Blog’s A-D “collector’s interest” categorizing of Rookwood Pottery. Any ideas?
Hey,,,, How does Anita Ellis rank Josephine Zettel?
Can you give me a recommendation for a good reference book for identifying mold numbers and artists’ marks? I have a buyers guide and it is too broad.
Can anyone point me in the right direction to get proper identification of 2 pots I recently acquired.
Pictures are here:
http://s256.photobucket.com/albums/hh161/NewWestCollectibles/2%20Pots/
Purchased at an estate sale in Los angelels area recently. Both pots have the same mark on bottom and are of a grayish-brown finish, with sort of navy blue accents.
Larger one is 18″ tall by 7″ diameter across the top and is in the shape of a butter churn (or umbrella stand). Circled by 3 odd smiling fish designs with very tall, stylized dorsal fins. 5 blue stripes circle at bottom, 4 more at top, 2 of which have a white stripe in between them.
Smaller pot approx. 11″ tall, approx. 4″ diameter across bottom, spreading out to approx 8″ in a bulge shape about 2/3 of the way up. 2 blue stripes circle near bottom with a row of tear drop shapes directly above them. 2 more blue stripes circle the bulging portion. Diameter at mouth is only 2 & 3/4″.
Mark on bottoms are nearly identical and appear to have been done with a tool while clay was still wet. Appears that it could be some combination of English letters, AK, FK, PK or RK; or maybe a Chinese or Japanese character.
Any help in identifying maker, region of origin and approximate age of these would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
~ Tim Robbins
I was wondering if Rookwood used any marks on pieces from 1881. The water pitcher i am referring to is brown with gold fern leaves hand painted. It just says Rookwood Pottery Cin O 1881 on the bottom. It’s way old but maybe it’s not authentic? Any ideas?
I have a rookwood vase signed and x out, is it worth anything?
i have a rookwood vase, 1903, with the numbers and letters 35CZ, I get that the 35 and the C indicate shape and size but what does the Z stand for? Thanks.
Mine is 1883 I think because is has no RP (could also be 1888 , but not likely without RP reveresed. It just has “Rookwood” a letter R (very small) and what looks to me to be JNH incised
I have an ivory vase about 6 inches tall – turquoise inside. under the rookwood mark it has XXVII and beneath that 2721. Any identification help? Thanks!
I have an ivory vase – turquoise inside. under the rookwood mark it has XXVII and beneath that 2721. Any identification help? Thanks!
I have a set of 652 candlesticks. The Rookwood mark has the fourteen flames, but there is no year stamped under the mark. Also the underneath of both candlesticks is unglazed. Would these be genuine Rookwood? Thanks for your help.
Regarding my above question; they are #6532 not 652. Thanks !
I recently acquired a Rookwood jar, early reversed RP hallmark with only 3 FLAMES. Also has the numbers 346B with an R underneath that. Artist signature looks like an AMV with a D underneath, can anyone help. THANKS
After doing some research I found that the artist AMV is Anna Marie Valentien, with only 3 flames I’m trying to pinpoint age. The is a D under Anna’s initials. I think the flowers are dogwood, standard glaze, orangeish / brown flowing color. Still need someone to advise age. Size is nice (B) second to the largest produced. Thanks again
Michelle, Your Rookwood piece was made in 1889. Thanks, Greg
I have a pale pink with beige color at top vase. It has two small handles at top opening. The marks at bottom have 14 rays and roman numerals XXV111 Then under that is 2077. This was my mothers and I’d love to find out more about it.
Phyllis, Your Rookwood pottery vase was made in 1928 and the 2077 is the shape number of the piece. That shape is a nice arts and crafts piece.
I have a pale pink with beige color at top vase. It has two small handles at top opening. The marks at bottom have 14 rays and roman numerals XXV111 Then under that is 2077. This was my mothers and I’d love to find out more about it.
Phyllis, Your Rookwood pottery vase was made in 1928 and the 2077 is the shape number of the piece. That shape is a nice arts and crafts piece.
I have a rookwood 1915 shape 1370 case with a dot centered beneath the shape number. Do you know who the finisher was?
??? Shape number 809 there is an impressed triangle mark below the shape number… Looks to be standard glaze Rookwood symbol only has 12 flames. An artist cipher is present “A.D.S.”
Any clues?
I’m not sure if this thread is still active, but I have a jade/green colored panther bookend. There doesn’t seem to be an artist mark, no roman numerals, simply the 14 flame reversed R and P logo, the style number 2564, and an unglazed dot at the center of the base approximately 3/4 inches in diameter. Any ideas on the year or the artist if its unmarked?
I have a Rookwood vase with the R and P and the flames. It is 856B, 15″ vase, signed by Kataro Shirayamadani. Purchased on Ebay for $13,500.00; however, it also has an “X” imbedded on the bottom. I was told this meant it is a factory second and only worth a max at auction of about $2,500 which would constitute fraud. Can anyone verify what this “X” means for me?
I have a Rookwood Parrot Trivet. It looks like it has an SP In the middle and an XX underneath and a 3077 under that. Can you tell me age of piece I have had it for about 20-25 years I think. I am thinking of selling it since I love the piece but have 8 grandchildren and would rather sell than have it away in a cupboard. It has a very small “defect” that I was told that it was a before market defect. Any idea as to age? and worth?
what are the impressed dots that often appear on rookwood bottoms? …sometimes at various clock positions around flames, sometimes at bottom of shape number or to its right or left, sometimes off to the side.
The dots you often see on the bottom of Rookwood pottery are what is called finishers’ dots. Similar to artist ciphers the dots represent individual finishers. For example, Reuben Menzel and Albert Munson are recognized finishers. Mr. Menzel’s can be found left of the shape number and Albert Munson’s can be found at the 12:00 position above the flame marks.
I have a piece of rookwood and the dot is at the 3 oclock position. Do you have any idea who the finisher for this piece was ?
The dots you often see on the bottom of Rookwood pottery are what is called finishers’ dots. Similar to artist ciphers the dots represent individual finishers. For example, Reuben Menzel and Albert Munson are recognized finishers. Mr. Menzel’s can be found left of the shape number and Albert Munson’s can be found at the 12:00 position above the flame marks.
Greg Myroth
http://www.justartpottery.com
According to the reference books the dot at the 3 oclock location is for Albersman. This finisher is not referenced in readily available historical Rookwood documents.
Our vase is marked xxxvii, with a mark @ the 3o’clock position. It has a number under the date of 6638. It is 10 1/2 inches tall, several shades of green. It has 3 embossed panels of weaving and 3 panels with 3 climbing monkeys. Can you give us any more information about the vase? Thank you
Did Rookwood ever make Tea Pitchers around the 1930’s to 1960’s. My mother had one and it was a medium blue/teal color? I am trying to find one like it?
Did any of this pottery come out Unmarked Thanks Bruce
1886 was a year that didn’t completely used the Rookwood Logo. I have a piece w/just the name Rookwood and the year. With the daly signature. Thought you might want the info.
I have 2 vases and 1 set of candle holders, all Sea Horse motif. Vase 5 1/2 inches tall, pink, XXVIII 2124 finshers dot directly under 2124 number.
Vase 7 inches tall, pink, XIX 1814 no finisher dot. Set of 2 candle holders, 4 inches, triangle blue green, XXVIII 1773 finisher fot directly under 1773.
When was these made, who was the finisher and where can I go in Seattle for a good value for insurance. Please and thank you
Hi! This is Jamie with Waverly House in Cincinnati. I have a piece of Rookwood marked LNv 1928 900c. I have searched and found no one to match those initials. Any suggestions??
I found this old piece of pottery in my house. I have no idea where it came from. It’s marked with the Rookwood stamp and the letters XL 2985. It’s a white or ivory vase that stands about 4″ tall and about 5″ wide. Does anyone know which Rookwood book would be best to help me find it’s value? t.hilty@yahoo.com
Can you give me a recommendation for a good reference book for identifying mold numbers and artists’ marks? I have a buyers guide and it is too broad.
I have a green vase with the Rookwood stamp , XV 1698 and a dot under the 6 in 1698 any idea who the finisher is? The vase is about 6 inches high with small type handles near the top
just picked up a 1934 vase #6434 green flowered mint condition for $1.oo at flea market. What a find!!!
Hey,,,, How does Anita Ellis rank Josephine Zettel?
i have a rookwood vase, 1903, with the numbers and letters 35CZ, I get that the 35 and the C indicate shape and size but what does the Z stand for? Thanks.
I was wondering if Rookwood used any marks on pieces from 1881. The water pitcher i am referring to is brown with gold fern leaves hand painted. It just says Rookwood Pottery Cin O 1881 on the bottom. It’s way old but maybe it’s not authentic? Any ideas?
Mine is 1883 I think because is has no RP (could also be 1888 , but not likely without RP reveresed. It just has “Rookwood” a letter R (very small) and what looks to me to be JNH incised
Can anyone point me in the right direction to get proper identification of 2 pots I recently acquired.
Pictures are here:
http://s256.photobucket.com/albums/hh161/NewWestCollectibles/2%20Pots/
Purchased at an estate sale in Los angelels area recently. Both pots have the same mark on bottom and are of a grayish-brown finish, with sort of navy blue accents.
Larger one is 18″ tall by 7″ diameter across the top and is in the shape of a butter churn (or umbrella stand). Circled by 3 odd smiling fish designs with very tall, stylized dorsal fins. 5 blue stripes circle at bottom, 4 more at top, 2 of which have a white stripe in between them.
Smaller pot approx. 11″ tall, approx. 4″ diameter across bottom, spreading out to approx 8″ in a bulge shape about 2/3 of the way up. 2 blue stripes circle near bottom with a row of tear drop shapes directly above them. 2 more blue stripes circle the bulging portion. Diameter at mouth is only 2 & 3/4″.
Mark on bottoms are nearly identical and appear to have been done with a tool while clay was still wet. Appears that it could be some combination of English letters, AK, FK, PK or RK; or maybe a Chinese or Japanese character.
Any help in identifying maker, region of origin and approximate age of these would be greatly appreciated.
Kind regards,
~ Tim Robbins
I have a rookwood vase signed and x out, is it worth anything?
I have an ivory vase – turquoise inside. under the rookwood mark it has XXVII and beneath that 2721. Any identification help? Thanks!
I recently acquired a Rookwood jar, early reversed RP hallmark with only 3 FLAMES. Also has the numbers 346B with an R underneath that. Artist signature looks like an AMV with a D underneath, can anyone help. THANKS
After doing some research I found that the artist AMV is Anna Marie Valentien, with only 3 flames I’m trying to pinpoint age. The is a D under Anna’s initials. I think the flowers are dogwood, standard glaze, orangeish / brown flowing color. Still need someone to advise age. Size is nice (B) second to the largest produced. Thanks again
Michelle, Your Rookwood piece was made in 1889. Thanks, Greg
I have an ivory vase about 6 inches tall – turquoise inside. under the rookwood mark it has XXVII and beneath that 2721. Any identification help? Thanks!
I have a set of 652 candlesticks. The Rookwood mark has the fourteen flames, but there is no year stamped under the mark. Also the underneath of both candlesticks is unglazed. Would these be genuine Rookwood? Thanks for your help.
Regarding my above question; they are #6532 not 652. Thanks !