| No one wants to purchase pottery they're | | | | "Colorado Springs" or "Colo Springs" was |
| convinced is authentic, only to discover later | | | | introduced and the inclusion of either of these |
| they've been had. It's difficult for many of us | | | | markings will accurately date the pottery. |
| reconcile in our minds there are those out there | | | | 1907 brought with it markings that include the |
| who prey on new collectors or those not familiar | | | | logo, Van Briggle, Colo Spgs, the shape number |
| with any one specific collection's markings. Add to | | | | and the date. Later that same year, finisher |
| the confusion the fact many collections have | | | | numbers were commonly added to one or both |
| more than one authentic marking, it can soon | | | | sides of the double "A" (AA) logo. This method |
| become overwhelming. But it doesn't have to be. | | | | was used through 1912, along with an occasional |
| If you do your research before you begin your | | | | full date written out. |
| quest for Van Briggle pottery, you're well on your | | | | 1913, Van Briggle produced pottery that was |
| way to making informed purchases based on a | | | | characterized by the inclusion of the Double "A" |
| solid understanding of what the markings indicate - | | | | logo and the date. For a brief time in 1915 and |
| even when all indications point to a less than noble | | | | into 1916, there were pieces created with an |
| sales person. | | | | incised shape number accompanied by the logo |
| It's important to understand the method behind | | | | and date. |
| the pottery's markings, which, in this case is the | | | | For the last few years leading up to 1920, any of |
| realization of the only consistency during the first | | | | the Van Briggle pottery not dated is usually |
| years is the inconsistency in its marking methods. | | | | marked with the logo and "VAN BRIGGLE" written |
| This is why it's so important to pay attention to | | | | out in all caps or written in script. Another tell-tale |
| the clay's coloring and textures - especially those | | | | date indicator is the darker clay bottom. It's |
| pieces from the first two decades of the 1900s. | | | | sometimes referred to as a "dirty bottom" |
| There was a brief period from around 1900 until | | | | amongst collectors. Still another trend took root |
| early 1907 when the pottery was, as a rule, | | | | during 1920. Along with the logo, you can often |
| accurately marked. On these pieces, the Van | | | | find the number "20", which of course, indicates |
| Briggle logo, date, the shape's number and a | | | | its creation in 1920. |
| Roman numeral are often present. Look for the | | | | The important thing to remember as you're |
| Roman numeral III, as it's indicative of pieces | | | | looking to build your Van Briggle collection is to |
| created in 1902 and 1903. The Roman Numeral V | | | | familiarize yourself with the variations. Although |
| lets you know it's a piece made in 1904 while | | | | there were several, once you've learned to |
| those produced in 1905 are often marked with | | | | accurately identify these beautiful pottery pieces, |
| several different Roman Numerals, including V, X | | | | you're well on your way to building your collection |
| VV and VX. Fortunately, Van Briggle ceased using | | | | that you'll cherish and enjoy forever - which is the |
| the confusing and often contradictory method of | | | | whole purpose in collective Van Briggle pottery. |
| incorporating Roman Numerals. It's at this time | | | | |