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Collector's Guides on Yellowware

If you're interested in yellowware and want to learn more about this beautiful pottery, I highly recommend buying the three books by Lisa McAllister on collecting this American, British and even Canadian pottery.  The Collector's Guides on Yellowware (vol. 1, vol. 2 & vol. 3) are well-researched, well-written and very informative.  All three volumes should be in one's library if collecting yellowware is a serious endeavor.


As much as I would like to call myself a knowledgable yellowware collector, I still have a lot to learn.  Thankfully I've taken a crash course on the subject by reading these books from cover to cover.  The three volumes are broken down into chapters which cover areas such as manufacturers, potter's marks, mugs, bowls, nappies, canisters, canning jars, pitchers, teapots, Westward Expansion pieces, toy pieces, mugs and cups, piggy banks and many miscellaneous pieces.  Helpful glossaries explain the proper terms used for describing and identifying yellowware.


McAllister gives us price ranges to serve as guides, but keep in mind that those are for pristine pieces.  Rarity, condition, among other factors, play a role in how yellowware pieces are priced by vendors.


While looking through the wonderful photographs, descriptions and in depth background on where and how yellowware was made, I have awakened a new appreciation for this pottery.  I can peruse through the pages of these books and know that if I ever encounter such and such piece, I will be confident in recognizing what it is and what its current value may be.  I can also dream of maybe one day owning this or that.


The importance of yellowware in the home during the 19th century and into the early part of the 20th deserves to be recognized whether or not you collect this pottery.  Let the Collector's Guides on Yellowware help you in your search for yellowware throughout the country.  Although I have had most of my luck in finding this pottery here on the east coast where I live, I have also purchased pieces on the west coast. 

Do you have your yellowware collector's guides yet?
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