Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Are the Stars Out Tonight? Abingdon Pottery Stars

Are the stars out tonight? I don't know if its cloudy or bright, 'cause I only have eyes for my Abingdon Pottery star planter vases!

Good morning, Tina here, sharing a collection which I have had for many years.
Abingdon Pottery, located in Abingdon Illinois, operated between 1934 and 1950, and made many pieces, including vases, bookends, plant pots, etc. Most of the pieces were designed by sculptor Mrs. Francis Moody at her kitchen table. These lovely stars, with their raised pattern of stars and clouds, are 7 inches tall, about an inch and 3/4 wide, and measure 8 inches from star point to star point. They are a nice solid vitreous china and do not tend to get the crazing that often shows up in vintage pottery.
The fabrics I am showing behind and underneath my stars (with the exception of the first photo, which is actually a blouse) were inherited this year from my husband's Aunt Marie, who passed away. She was a wonderful seamstress, and earned her retirement living by making doll clothes, potholders and other kitchen items, pillows, throws, etc. which she sold at flea markets and doll shows. At the age of 80 plus she drove all over Washington state to sell her homemade goods. These are a selection of paisley patterns, which are new, not vintage.
Sorry this is so unclear. My camera was not cooperating in its close-up mode. This is an original sticker on my pink star. It is a type of silver foil, and says Abingdon U.S.A. It is rather worn but nice to have.
Most Abingdon pieces will have this mark. Abingdon U.S.A. There will also be an incised number stamped in that I believe is a batch number.
There are pink stars...
A nice soft yellow...
A sort of blue/green...
And a nice clean green (the shade didn't turn out too well in the photo).

Someday I hope to have a mantel over my wood stove, and I would like to place my six stars there. Until then, they reign supreme in what I call my celestial bathroom, which I may get around to showing you someday.

6 comments:

Heidi Ann said...

I just KNEW you were going to do a post about these one day!
And that's the only reason why i decided not to do a post about mine. I have only three: pink, blue and white - but I LOVE them so! And I always admire your collection when I am there!
Some day, I just know that I will find another color or two. They are the sweetest little star planters/vases.
I love them.

yosemite faith said...

something else you are introducing me too. i have never had the good fortune to see these before. i can understand why you and heidi are collecting them. i like them too and i bet they are fantastic to see in person. i will have to start opening my eyes and be on the lookout....

yosemite faith said...

my bad - i should have used the singular - to - not too - so sorry

jamie@midcenturymania said...

Love those! What beautiful colors. I'll have to take a look at yours Heidi, next time I'm at your house.

Lorlore said...

I love these and am jealous of yours!! I will look for one for me!!!!

Twyla and Lindsey said...

I have never seen or heard of these before, but they are So Charming! Twyla