Question:

Hello,

I recently purchased this pitcher at a yard sale despite the sloppy repaired handle. My intentions was to place this pitcher in a certain location based on the colors/design.Unfortunately,the height of pitcher was too tall and I can not use the pitcher. I was reading/researching your site and noticed that you said the pitchers were a bit scarce. Do you think a damages/repaired piece can still be sold? I would hate to throw away something if someone could use/want it. I would appreciate your thoughts/comments and thank you in advance for your time and talent, it is appreciated.

Pattie

Answer:

Thank you the compliment; it’s nice to be appreciated!  Your photo shows a Pepe water pitcher and they are quite difficult to find.  Collectors prefer pieces in undamaged condition, of course.  But scarce items with some damage will interest collectors who are willing to settle for a placeholder until a better example is available.  It is difficult to place a value on a damaged item, and the photo shows a crack on the handle but doesn’t clearly show the extent of the damage.  In my opinion a broken and repaired handle would reduce the value considerably, probably a 50 to 75% reduction in value as compared to a pitcher in mint condition.  If the repair was done poorly and cannot be corrected the reduction may be even greater.  But since a mint Pepe water pitcher is worth over $100 there will be somebody who would want it even with the broken handle.

Larry