“ Artus Van Briggle - but which one? “ - Daryle Lambert

Most of you know the name Artus Van Briggle and how he began his Van Briggle Pottery company in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1902. This masterful pottery artist only lived a short time after he began producing pottery there and died in1904. His discovery of a wonderful matte technique soon enhanced his reputation as a true master. The world lost a genius in Mr. Van Briggle but he had been sick for years and journeyed to Colorado for the drier air that would help his tuberculosis. Pottery pieces from the era when he was alive can command thousands of dollars on the market today.

All of his pieces were signed and it is very easy to distinguish the date on Van Briggle Pottery. Although only a small portion of his production was dated, it is is eagerly sought after by collectors. I was once fortunate enough to find a 1904 piece that I purchased for a few hundred dollars and later sold for more than $3,500. In my career, I have only owned three dated pieces.

After Mr. Van Briggle's death, his family kept the pottery company going until it bankrupted in 1913. It has changed hands several times since then and is still making fantastic pottery today. For you to really make money, I think that it is important any pieces you purchase pre-date 1920.

I am sure by now you are asking but what about the title “Artus Van Briggle - but which one?” Here is the rest of the story as Paul Harvey would say. You see, Artus Van Briggle worked for Rookwood pottery from 1887 till 1901. In fact he was rated as an “A” artist at Rookwood which gave him the same stature of Matthew Daly, Henry Farny, Maria Nichols and Kataro Shirayamadani. If you are fortunate enough to ever find a piece that he made while at Rookwood then you have a true treasure. Those pieces can bring big bucks.

So I would advise all my readers to add Artus Van Briggle to their list of artists to search for whether it is his Rookwood or Van Briggle pieces.

I have a personal request to make of you and it is that my son Lawson Lambert is trying to get a sports broadcasting job and it is a contest. If you would go to WNST.net and register, then scroll half way down the page to where it shows the contest, listen to my son and then vote, I would greatly appreciate it. As you scroll down, you will see the name Jerry Reinhardt and Lawson is below this gentleman and you can give him five stars. Here is thanks in advance.

God Bless,
Daryle