![]() Chips, cracks, and scratches to the surface decoration are key factors when evaluating vintage cookie jars. The fact that these vintage collectibles were positioned in "the front lines" (aka the kitchen countertop) of busy post-war American kitchens makes their condition a vital trait when assessing their value on the collectibles market. Cookie jars were of good size in order to hold many cookies for America's growing families in the years following World War II. Berkeley items, under a chain store product line, are marked with the name BERKELEY in uppercase lettering inside a cloverleaf motif.The cookie jar held a place of honor in American kitchens in the 1950s and 1960s, when it was part of the overall home décor as well as an important piece of serving ware. Sequoia Ware items, under a trademark used by American Bisque for gift shop items, are marked with a tree containing the words “ SEQUOIA WARE” in uppercase block lettering. An incised mold number may accompany this mark. However, official records of this mark have not been found.Ĭookie jars often have a distinctive mark consisting of three square blocks containing the initials A, B, and C. Some items are marked with the initials “ ABCO,” “ A.B.Co.," or "ABCo.” This information often includes some variation of the phrase “patent pending” or “ design patent applied.” These pieces often have unusual lids or novelty designs that made them patentable.Ī mark featuring the acronym AMBISCo WARE has been attributed to American Bisque. However, they may have deteriorated over time and thus are rarely found. American Bisque has sold items with paper labels in the past. An incised mold number is occasionally present. Other than the typical wedge base and airbrushed design, most American Bisque pieces can be identified through a “U.S.A.” marking on or toward the bottom of the items. ![]() Counterfeit American Bisque pieces are generally smaller than genuine pieces by as much as an inch. However, any solid color pieces were likely “cold-painted" over the glaze, making it easy for the paint to flake off or wear over time.Ĭrossover collectors, such as Disneyana and theme collectors, can impact cookie jar prices.Ĭounterfeits are common in some of the more popular American Bisque designs, such as the Popeye series, Flintstones jars, Little Audrey jars, and Casper jars. ![]() The company rarely decorated pottery with solid colors. However, this is not a feature of every piece smaller items may have a solid unglazed base.Īmerican Bisque pieces are heavy and feature brightly colored, airbrushed designs of animals, people, and cartoon characters. Most American Bisque pieces have two large, unglazed wedge shapes at the bottom. When identifying a piece of American Bisque pottery, examine its base design. American Bisque ranks alongside the major cookie jar designers such as McCoy and Brush. In 1983, the factory closed altogether.Īmerican Bisque collectors focus primarily on the company’s cookie jars. Mizra changed the name to American China Company and switched its focus to producing institution dinnerware for airlines. In 1982, Bipin Mizra purchased American Bisque from the Allen family. These products were marketed under the Berkeley brand in chain stores and the Sequoia brand in gift shops.Ī gradual drop in demand for home design financially strained the company. In 1968, American Bisque expanded to make ashtrays, candy dishes, salad bowl sets, and tiered serving trays in a broader range of bright, solid colors. American Bisque made its popular Disney-themed products using the license held by Leeds between 19. Together, the two companies purchased the pottery molds of the Ludowici-Celadon Company in New Lexington, Ohio, when it returned to its roofing tile business.Īmerican Bisque also partnered with Cardinal China Company of Carteret, New Jersey, and Leeds China Company of Chicago, Illinois, to make and distribute cookie jars. At the same time, Joseph Lenhart, who bought American Pottery in 1944, served as American Bisque’s sales manager. Allen’s son owned an interest in American Pottery. Bauer’s cookie jars-including “Cat,” “Clown,” “Donald Duck,” “Pig,” and “Thumper”-are among the company’s most famous designs.Īmerican Bisque partnered with a few other pottery companies, including the American Pottery Company located in nearby Marietta, Ohio. ![]() Notable designers Al Dye and Louise Bauer, daughter of designer Walter Bauer, helped produce many novelty pieces. ![]() Though the building was rebuilt twice, much of the company’s historical documentation was lost.īeginning in the late 1930s, American Bisque produced a line of brightly colored cookie jars designed as popular cartoon characters, animals, and other figures. American Bisque suffered two incidents that destroyed the factory: a flood in 1937 and a fire in 1945. ![]()
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