Overbeck Pottery

This week’s Antique Trader had a very informative article on Overbeck Pottery.  Overbeck Pottery was started in 1911 in Cambridge City, Indiana by sisters Margaret, Hannah, Harriet, and Mary Frances.  The Antique Trader article pointed out the family name was actually Overpeck and due to the teasing the children received about their last name they changed one letter and went by the last name Overbeck throughout their adult life. 

Each piece of Overbeck was one-of-a-kind arts and crafts pottery.  Overbeck produced prior to 1937 was typically artware such as vases, tiles, bowls and candlesticks.  After Elizabeth Overbeck’s death in 1936, Mary Francis focused more on animal and people figurines than on vases.  The production of Overbeck Pottery ended in 1955 with the death of Mary Frances. 

Additional information on Overbeck Pottery can be found in The Chronicle of the Overbeck Pottery by Kathleen Postle.  The Chronicle of Overbeck Pottery provides a history of the pottery and the marks used by each sister and explains the dating system associated with the marks. 

The largest collection of Overbeck Pottery is located at the Museum of Overbeck Art Pottery in the Cambridge City, Indiana Public Library.  The Overbeck studio/home is now a private residence in Cambridge City.  The Antique Trader article notes that tours of the studio/home can be arranged for interested Overbeck collectors. 

As more arts and crafts pottery collectors have come to appreciate the quality artware produced by the Overbeck sisters, prices have skyrocketed. On June 2, 2007 Cincinnati Art Galleries sold the pictured  14 1/2" Overbeck vase decorated with carved and painted flowers by Elizabeth and Mary Frances for an amazing $66,125. 

Greg Myroth – JustArtPottery.com