Question:
I have a beautiful, blue shaded, with a grape design, pitcher. It is blue on the outside and sort of gray or maybe a whitish color on the inside and on the bottom. It also has a raised star on the bottom. It doesn’t seem to fit any of the categories exactly. I’ve read up and the best I can do is early 1900. Someone told me it was North Star because of the raised star on the bottom. But, another said it was from Ohio Pottery because North Stars star wasn’t raised. Thnaks so much, Sharon

Answer: Sharon, your pitcher question has come up a number of times. Your pitcher is listed in the Collector’s Encyclopedia of Salt Glazed Stoneware. An yes the book states that the maker is the North Star Stoneware Company of Red Wing Minnesota. However, they are not correct. You pitcher is titled "Grape Cluster with Rickrack". It books for $200 to $250 in the price guide. I am not sure who manufactured this pitcher (could be UHL pottery out of Indiana), but can tell you for sure it is not North Star. Still a gorgeous piece of Blue & White. Hope this helps. Al Kohlman