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Antiques! => Antique Questions Forum => Topic started by: GreenhornGirl on October 01, 2011, 12:30:43 PM

Title: Couple of Spongeware items
Post by: GreenhornGirl on October 01, 2011, 12:30:43 PM

Hi friends!  Got a couple of spongeware pieces, haven't been able to date them or identify a maker yet.  No markings on either of them.  Both have all-over crazing.

-Green spongeware planter or plant pot, 4.5"H just over 6" diameter at mouth
-Blue, Red, and Brown on cream large bowl (mixing bowl?) Looks like some of the Red Wing sponging colors but haven't been able to find this shape.  5"H, 9.25" diameter top.  I believe it's stoneware and it weighs just over 3 lbs.  Worn at rim but hard to see in this pic

Title: Re: Couple of Spongeware items
Post by: greenacres on October 01, 2011, 04:17:56 PM

They are great bowls. I love them!

Title: Re: Couple of Spongeware items
Post by: snowflake on October 01, 2011, 06:15:34 PM

I had to look up just what spongeware was! Learning something new everyday. Will do a quick check tonight.

Title: Re: Couple of Spongeware items
Post by: mart on October 02, 2011, 08:57:40 AM

Can`t say that  I have ever seen a spongeware crock with the bottom done !!  Or may have and just don`t remember !!  Unusual color though !! I have seen many with that shape but they were the traditional cream color with banding !!

Title: Re: Couple of Spongeware items
Post by: GreenhornGirl on October 02, 2011, 10:24:26 AM

Thanks all for your input  :)

Title: Re: Couple of Spongeware items
Post by: mart on October 02, 2011, 12:00:53 PM

Sponge pattern on your top one looks like Robinson Ransbottom !! Look on ebay !!

Title: Re: Couple of Spongeware items
Post by: GreenhornGirl on October 03, 2011, 12:43:58 PM

Thanks, mart!  It does look very similar to Robinson Ransbottom pieces I see on eBay and elsewhere.  I haven't been able to find this exact shape, but I think it's too similar not to be a maker match!

Title: Re: Couple of Spongeware items
Post by: mart on October 03, 2011, 03:59:14 PM

I saw one today that was almost identical except it was blue !!  Let me see if I can find it again !!

Title: Re: Couple of Spongeware items
Post by: hosman321 on October 03, 2011, 05:18:30 PM

Oh, I absolutely LOVE the bowl! I have no experience with spongeware and I never know how to tell how old it is. I see it all the time at thrift stores and Goodwill but I always pass it up. I wonder if I am passing up treasures. :(
Yours definitely look like they have age, especially that bowl. I agree that it looks extremely similar to the Ring Wing ones I am seeing on ebay.

Title: Re: Couple of Spongeware items
Post by: mart on October 03, 2011, 06:07:52 PM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Robinson-Ransbottom-Spongeware-Country-Kitchen-Crock-1-Quart-/160657928794?_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D3%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D3225622429358078719

Don`t know why all the stuff on that ebay item, but see if your pot isn`t kind of like this one except color !!  There are a few differences , yours is a bit smaller but guess they made different sizes !!

Title: Re: Couple of Spongeware items
Post by: GreenhornGirl on October 03, 2011, 06:17:42 PM

Thanks, mart!!  I saw couple like the one you posted and the Robinson Ransbottom sponging style is so very similar, but all the ones I find the top lip is different - there is a lip or banding near the rim that mind doesn't have, and the bottom more of a footed saucer.  Thanks for thinking of me when you found it!

Hosman, thanks!  I think that the bowl is old as well.  I'm kind of disappointed that I haven't been able to find anything out about it.   :(  I also got a beautiful antique spongeware platter, blue on white, from the same source.  Have info on this one but not the two I posted above.

Snow & Hosman, I love spongeware.  Some great American (and otherwise) pottery to be found!   :)