Antique Bell Pottery b.p. Co. Findlay Ohio Porcelain Handpainted Pitcher

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A little history lesson first ...

In 1898, brothers William M. and Edward F. Bell incorporated Bell Pottery Company in … Read more A little history lesson first ...

In 1898, brothers William M. and Edward F. Bell incorporated Bell Pottery Company in Finlay, Ohio. In August 1899, the company announced it would begin producing hand-decorated white china, employing about 25 decorators. Common decorative motifs included currants, roses, blackberries, chestnuts and hops. By December, improvements included the installation of an oval dish jigger to enable the production of footed dishes for use as nut bowls or candy dishes.

Following a serious fire in April 1900, and storm damage in June 1900, which knocked down both smokestacks for the decorating kilns, the Bell brothers erected a new brick building. In 1901, the company issued additional stock with the intention of doubling the pottery’s capacity, employing 400 people. Their intention was to produce fine china that rivaled Haviland.

As often happens with small, young companies, they expanded too much and too fast. The Bell brothers planned on building a second factory in Columbus, Ohio, but William Bell died suddenly in 1902. Edward took over management of the pottery, which soon became a union shop.

Edward had grand plans for the Columbus operation. He planned on 17 buildings with 12 kilns, to later be doubled. But lack of equipment caused more delays. By November 1904, he announced that he would move the Findlay operation to Columbus. The new pottery produced wares for about a year, but by September of 1906, it was in the hands of a receiver and ultimately dissolved.

And now on to this listing ...

Offered here is a rare piece of china made by the Bell Pottery Company of Findlay, Ohio. Because the firm only produced fine china rivaling French Haviland and Limoges porcelain for five years (from 1899 to 1904), surviving pieces from this early American pottery are scarce indeed. This pitcher has a scalloped shape to its body that flares outward moving toward the bottom. It is hand painted in multiple hues of brown, with gold hand painted vertical decorative marks all the way around. The handle is painted a solid gold color, and the top rim is also gold. Backstamp reads B.P. Co., and below that, F O (which stands for Findlay Ohio). This pitcher stands about 7 1/2" tall (measuring to the highest points, which are on either side of the spout). The footprint measures 5 3/4" in diameter.

The last photo is an image of the Bell Pottery factory. This is for informational purposes only. The only item offered here is the pitcher - you will not receive a photo.

This piece is in astonishing condition for its age! No chips, cracks, or unusual wear. The finish is entirely unblemished. On antique pieces decorated with gilt finish, the gold areas are always the first to show wear. I see no wear at all to the gold on this piece. It looks like it has sat in someone's china cabinet its entire life.

If you are a collector of Bell Pottery pieces, this will make a fine addition to your collection. Will be packed with care and shipped with GOBS of packing material! See less