Category Archives: Collectibles

June 18, 2011 · 8:33 pm

Celebrate Dad & Shop for Treasures at the Long Beach Antique & Collectible Market

Our family celebrated Father’s Day in a wide variety of ways and oftentimes to an outsider some of our celebrations were non-traditional and well, sort of kookie. Unlike Mother’s Day where the celebration usually centered around Mom not having to cook on a Sunday for a change, Dad’s special June Sunday was usually spent with one of his favorite pastimes at the center of the day’s activity.

Steinborn & Gruen of Venice, CA c. 1970-80's 11.5" Handmade Studio Vase "Bella", $90.00 SOLD

Now it would have been great for this little article had my Dad collected art pottery, but he didn’t. So no I did not go hunting for Roseville and McCoy vases with Dad. But we did hunt for a special fishing lure once that was supposed to help one snag the biggest Northern Pike you could imagine.

Brush McCoy c.1930-40's 7.25" Art Deco Footed Yellow Vase, $70.00

There was also the Father’s Day that Dad packed us all in the Chevy wagon, including Mom who was seven months pregnant with my youngest Brother Matthew, and took us to a day of Thoroughbred Horse Racing at Arlington Park Race Track. Now to most that would not sound so unusual except for the fact that there had been tornado warnings all day and after the first race the sky turned a threatening greenish black. Within minutes the sirens began blaring and over the load speaker came the command to take cover inside the grandstand.

Brush McCoy c.1930-40's 7.25" Art Deco Geometric Yellow Vase Mold #704 USA, $70.00

We all followed the order and took shelter on the ground level of the building. There with a few hundred other gamblers we huddled in the center far away from any windows or doorways. The lights flickered and then the rain came pouring down as loud as I had ever heard it rain. The lights went out and the air conditioning stop blowing while the winds outside roared an ominous and mournful song. And it rained and rained and rained.

The storm lasted a good twenty minutes and eventually the lights came back on and the clamor of the storm abated. The management announced that the racing day was cancelled and informed all that the rain had flooded the parking lot. It took some time for us to reach the doorway and when we did we were greeted by a gentle lapping of water around our ankles as if we gone wading into a lake.

Red WIng Pottery, c.1935-45 10.75" Art Deco Machine Age Yellow with Grey Interior Vase (original label) Mold #405, #125.00 SOLD

The ground floor of the Grandstand was built at an elevation of about 10 feet higher than the parking lot. Once we got outside we saw ahead of us people walking in water waist deep and in the case of the young neck high. My Father placed my brother Mark of his shoulders and my Mom, two sisters and myself slowly followed him as we got wetter and wetter and the water rose higher and higher until all of us were treading in three to four feet of newly fallen rain.

Red Wing Pottery, c.1950's 8" Long Neck Yellow with Grey Interior Vase by Belle Kogan, Mold #B 1426, $75.00

We eventually made our way to the Chevy and luckily for us we had parked in an area where the water had been able to drain away, although it was still bumper high. It was then that we noticed that my Mother who had been wearing a lovely crepe dress was now wearing a lovely crepe top with her slip covering her lower body.  The dress had shrunk at least a eighteen inches  and it’s hem now adorned her baby bump as if it were a bonnet. We all roared in laughter and secretly thanked God as we all realized that we had gotten through a very bad storm with only a damaged dress.

Now you might ask why I tell this story today. It comes to mind for two reasons, one the obvious, it was a Father’s Day memory that has stayed with me all these forty-five years later. And it serves to help me make my point that the important thing about Father’s Day is that whatever you do, you should try to create a day that will remain a memory. And for those of you lucky ones  whose Dad collects Weller or Hull or Catalina Pottery a way to make Dad’s day memorable is to shop for a new treasure for him at The Long Beach Flea Market.

Cowan Pottery, c.1926-28 7.25" Art Deco Seahorse Fan Vase in Daffodil Glaze #715-A, $125.00 SOLD

The second reason I tell this tale will help to bring some cohesion to the vases I have presented throughout my writing. You see the winner of the first race that stormy day was a horse named “Mellow Yellow” and as I look at the newly acquired vases that are available for sale I feel a sense of calm, the calm that the color yellow has always brought to me.

Cowan Pottery, c.1926-28 3.5" Art Deco Seahorse Toothpick Holder in Daffodil Glaze #726, $55.00 SOLD

To see these terrific vases and many more beautiful items from all of your Dad’s favorite Pottery companies join us tomorrow, June 19th at the the Long Beach Antique & Collectible Market in Long Beach, California. The  Long Beach Collectible & Antique Market is located in the Veteran’s Stadium Parking Lot from 7:00 AM until 2:00 PM. We are located in space # A 853. Click here for 10% off Admission Discount Coupon.

Happy Father’s Day to all Dad’s and here’s to making your Father’s Day a day to remember just as “Mellow Yellow” made one that I spent with my Dad.

Leave a comment

Filed under Antique Market, Art Deco, Arts, Collectibles, Cowan Pottery, Hand-thrown pottery, McCoy, Mid-Century Design, Red Wing Pottery

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

May 15, 2011 · 1:40 am

Terrific Offering of Art Deco Inspired Roseville Pattern “Teasel”

Roseville Pottery, circa 1938 "Teasel" Six Piece Collection, $1500.00 (Also Available Individually)

Billy Blue Eye Pottery is pleased to offer a six piece collection of Roseville Pottery’s 1938 “Teasel” pattern.  The set consisting of a low jardiniere, a low vase and four six to nine inch vases are terrific examples of Roseville’s Art Deco inspired pattern. The elegant line of a single stem from the teasel plant artfully placed as if touched by the wind is a reminder of the beauty found in the understated decoration presented in this Roseville offering.  In “Teasel” Roseville shows us its versatility in depiction of flower and nature; a dramatic departure from other 1930’s floral patterns such as “Poppy”, “Sunflower” and “Fuchsia”.

A close-up view of the wildflower "Common Teasel". (Dipsacus fullonum) Photo by Brian Johnston (Canada)

The set is being offered at $1,500.00 for all six pieces.  Although we prefer to keep this collection intact, the pieces may be purchased individually. (Priced from $200.00 to $340.00 each)

This very special offering can be seen and purchased today at the Long Beach Antique & Collectible Market in Long Beach, California. Long Beach Collectible & Antique Market is located in the Veteran’s Stadium Parking Lot from 7:00 AM until 2:00 PM. We are located in space # A 853. Click here for 10% off Admission Discount Coupon.

In addition to Roseville, Billy Blue Eye will be featuring today works from Van Briggle, Weller, McCoy, Beswick, Stangl, Blue Mountain, Red Wing, Rookwood, Catalina, Sascha Brastoff and many other fine ceramic companies. Look for our green & white tent, we look forward to seeing you there!

2 Comments

Filed under Antique Market, Antique Shows, Art Deco, Beswick Pottery, Blue Mountain Pottery, Catalina Pottery, Collectibles, McCoy, Red Wing Pottery, Roseville Pottery, Sascha Brastoff, Stangl Pottery, Van Briggle Pottery, Weller Pottery

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

April 22, 2011 · 4:01 am

Great Shopping & Family Fun – Whittier, CA Street Faire Saturday, April 23rd

Billy Blue Eye Pottery is once again proud to be a part of this Saturday’s Whittier, CA Spring Street Faire. The twice annual celebration is held in Uptown Whittier from 9 AM until 4 PM. We will be located in booth # 36 which is located at the intersection of Philadelphia & Friends Streets.

Van Briggle Pottery c.1947-48 6.75″ Hand Thrown “Original” Bud Vase in Ming Turquoise Glaze by Fred Wills, $135.00 SOLD

Once again we will be featuring a large selection of pottery from all of your favorite companies including Roseville, Weller, McCoy, Van Briggle, Catalina, Frankoma, Rookwood, Beswick, Red Wing, Royal Haeger, Sascha Brastoff and many more. We have plenty of great holiday gift ideas. Be sure to stop by and shop our treasures, We look forward to seeing you there!

Red Wing Pottery by Rum Rill c.1935-40 Pair 4.5″ Triple Bud Vases with Center Candle holder “Shell Group”, $95.00 SOLD

Leave a comment

Filed under Antique Market, Antique Shows, Beswick Pottery, Catalina Pottery, Collectibles, Haeger Pottery, McCoy, Recommendations, Red Wing Pottery, Roseville Pottery, Sascha Brastoff, Street Fairs, Van Briggle Pottery, Wall Pockets, Weller Pottery

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

April 12, 2011 · 2:25 pm

Springtime Rituals and the Pouring of Tea – April, 2011 Events

With the arrival of spring and the upcoming religious celebrations of Passover and Easter later this month (April 19th and April 24th respectively) I have been thinking about the many rituals that we have incorporated into our daily lives. Just like these two holidays that are centered around a meal (the Seder and the Last Supper) many of life’s other rituals are celebrated with food, drink and sustenance to feed our bodies while our souls and hearts are being fed and nourished by community, friendship and family.

A selection of Tea Sets from England, Japan, Canada and Czechoslovakia. The Candle holders are by Frankoma Pottery of Oklahoma, c. 1951-78 5.5" Prairie Green Glaze, $39.00 for the pair.

To the British and to many of those that reside in former British colonies one important daily ritual is “afternoon tea”.  The daily “pouring of the tea” is an important ritual that brings cohesion to the often busy, chaotic and fragmented lives we live. It is a time to reflect on the day and at times to bring one back to a starting point where we can proceed renewed and nourished to complete the remainder of the day before us.

(Pictured Lower) E. Radford Pottery Company of England, c. 1920-30s 4 piece Set of Hand-Painted Art Deco Teapot w/ Lid, Sugar & Creamer, $130.00 (Pictured Above) James Sadler of England, c. 1960-70s Transfer Flow Blue Porcelain,"Afternoon Tea - The Old Mill" Six Piece Set, Teapot w/ Lid, Sugar Bowl w/ Lid, Creamer & Tea Pot Stand (not pictured), $140.00

It is not surprising to those of us that collect and admire ceramics that over the years there have been many different design styles employed in the creation of the vessels used to prepare and serve tea. Tea rituals are rooted deep in the history of many countries of the world with the creation of teapots and bowls designed with the ritual in mind.   The Eastern cultures of China and Japan document that  tea was introduced in as early as the 8th Century with the Japanese Tea Ceremony finding its roots in the 12th Century.  The ceremony also known as the Way of Tea embraced the principles of harmony, respect, purity  and tranquility.

Japanese c.1948-55 Hand-painted Lusterware Tea Set - Tea Pot w/ Lid, Sugar w/ Lid & Creamer, $80.00

Here in America tea drinking is a part of the culture so much so that it played a major role in the America Revolution with the Boston Tea Party. Later it was immortalized in the song “Tea for Two” from the 1925 musical “No, No Nanette” with words by Vincent Youmans and lyrics by Irving Caesar.

I’m discontented with homes that I’ve rented
So I have invented my own.
Darling, this place is lovely oasis
Where life’s weary taste is unknown
Far from the crowded city
Where flowers pretty caress the stream
Cozy to hide in, to live side by side in,
Don’t let it apart in my dream-

Picture you upon my knee
Just tea for two
And two for tea
Just me for you
And you for me alone.

(Left) Blue Mountain Pottery of Ontario, Canada, c.1960s Four Piece Olive Green Aladdin Tea Pot w/ Lid, Sugar Bowl & Creamer, $135.00 - (Right) Czechoslovakian c.1930s Ditmar Urbach Hand-painted 5 Piece Set, Tea Pot W/ Lid, Sugar Bowl w/ Lid & Creamer, $190.00

Billy Blue Eye is pleased to feature a selection of  tea sets at all of our April events. Each of the sets pictured here are in excellent condition and are guaranteed to make your tea pouring ritual a special event.

The April event Schedule is as follows:

Sunday, April 17th Long Beach Collectible & Antique Market, located in the Veteran’s Stadium Parking Lot from 7:00 AM until 2:00 PM. We are located in space # A 853. Click here for $ .50 off Admission Discount Coupon.

Saturday, April 23rd, The Whittier Uptown Antique Street Faire,Uptown Whittier on Philadelphia Street from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM.  We are located in space #36 at the intersection of Philadelphia & Friends Streets.

Easter Sunday, April 24th, Jamestown Vintage Flea Market, 474 El Camino Real, Tustin from 8:00 AM until 3:00 PM.  Space #45.

As always look for our green & white tent. For those of you that reside outside Southern California we accept Visa, Master Card, and Pay Pal and all orders over $200.00 are shipped free. We offer a full refund if you are not completely satisfied with your order. We look forward to assisting you soon. Happy Spring, Happy Passover, Happy Easter, Happy Tea Time!

Leave a comment

Filed under Antique Market, Antique Shows, Collectibles, Dinnerware, E. Radford Pottery of England, Holiday Traditions, Street Fairs, Tea Sets

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , ,

March 28, 2011 · 5:11 pm

Roseville Pottery in the 1930’s: An Important and Transitional Decade

Roseville Pottery c. 1933 "Baneda" 8.25" Double Handled Vase in Green/Blue, mold # 593-8, $925.00 SOLD

For those of you that are regular readers of this blog, my love for Roseville pottery is well-known. In fact I even admitted in a July 11, 2010 post that I was a Rookwood and Roseville snob. Roseville was my first pottery purchase and to this day, I am still amazed at the incredible artistic range produced by the company in its sixty-four year history. (1890-1954) Even now as a dealer I am frequently tempted to add a piece of Roseville to our personal collection.

Roseville Pottery c. 1930 "Sunflower" 7.5" x 4.25" Jardiniere, mold # 208-5, $850.00 SOLD

When I look at the creative arc in Roseville’s history from the classic styling of patterns such as Donatello, Volpato and Carnelian in the teens all the way to the  modernistic Mid-Century designs found in Capri, Mayfair and Artwood, I see a distinct progression that mirrored the cultural and design scene in 20th Century America. In my overview of the work, like many collectors,  I am drawn to many of the patterns issued during the 1930’s.

Roseville Pottery c. 1933 "Falline" 6.25" Double Handled Vase, mold # 642-6, $825.00 SOLD

In the span of ten years Roseville issued ceramic items from such treasured lines as Blackberry, Baneda,  Cosmos, Falline, Ferella, Fuchsia, Jonquil, Laurel, Morning Glory, Moss, Poppy, Primrose and all-time most popular line, Pinecone.  When one examines the progression of the product design we see in 1930 in Earlam, a stripped down utilitarian series of vases, pots and candle holders. In 1931-32 we find a blending of the classic pottery forms and decorations with the floral depictions Roseville become synonymous with in Jonquil and Cherry Blossom. This period is important as I feel it became  a reference point for the later floral patterns issued during the World War II era and beyond.

Roseville Pottery c. January, 1934 "Laurel" 8.25" Double Handled Vase, mold # 673-8, $425.00 SOLD

During this decade America was in the throes of the Great Depression. Life in America carried an uncertainty and it sparked a diversity in creativity which was echoed in many aspects of life including production of pottery at Roseville. In 1934-36 we saw the release of Art Deco inspired patterns such as Moderne and Laurel intersected by the realistic design of Pinecone in 1935 with handles in the form of branches joined to a pinecone with green pine needles. A simplistic design that through its popularity wound up saving Roseville from bankruptcy.

Roseville Pottery c. 1933 "Baneda" 8" x 3" Console in Pink/Rose, mold # 232-6, $450.00 SOLD

Roseville Pottery c. 1933 "Baneda" 4.5" Bud Vase in Green/Blue, mold # 603-4, $450.00 SOLD

The later part of the decade saw a mixture of emotion displayed in the stark variance of say the romanticism in Moss to the playful and joyous Primrose that to this day makes me think of a smiley face. In 1938 with Poppy we saw the flower become the focus of the vessel with its stems and leaves fading into the background. All of these touches to the human heart endeared Roseville to the masses and in my opinion cemented its importance in 20th century America pottery. This ability to change and expand its artistic statement along with the times gave it a universal appeal that invites collectors of all ages and demographics. This is not to say that the patterns issued during the 1930’s are superior to those of early or later years but rather it was the progression of adjusting its image in a very turbulent decade that sparks a lasting interest and demand.

Roseville Pottery c. 1933 "Baneda" 8.5" Double Handled Vase in Blue/Green, mold # 595-8, $1195.00 SOLD

Billy Blue Eye is pleased to offer a recently acquired collection of vases from the 1930’s including examples from Baneda, Sunflower, Laurel and Falline. All eight of these vases are in excellent condition with no or minimal crazing and no previous repairs or production imperfections.

Roseville Pottery c. 1930 "Sunflower" 8.25" Vase, mold # 491-8, $1395.00 SOLD

Due to the limited availability of these treasures we invite interested collectors to contact us  directly at billyblueeye@cox.net or at 949-496-1889 (Pacific Time Zone, 9AM to 8PM please) and if still available, may be viewed on Sunday, April 17th at the Long Beach Antique & Collectible Market. We accept Visa, Master Card, and Pay Pal and all orders over $200.00 are shipped free. Private viewings can be arranged for local collectors.

Leave a comment

Filed under Collectibles, Roseville Pottery

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

March 20, 2011 · 1:49 am

Long Beach Antique & Collectible Market Today: Name the Designer

Royal Haeger Pottery c.1940’s 11″ Turquoise Double Leaf Vase w/ Original Label designed by Royal Hickman, $70.00 SOLD

We have all experienced it in one way or another. That “ah-ha” moment when we see something say a painting and we realize (or is it recognize?) that we are not only looking at a beautiful painting of Irises; but that we are looking at the painting of Irises by Van Gogh.  So too for a collector of pottery there comes a time when we begin to look past the color and size of say a vase, and see the true talent being expressed by an artist at work.

All pottery companies employed such people – artists that helped to define the look of a pottery company and whose work helped that company gain notoriety.  As my collecting of pottery has evolved, I find pleasure in seeking out those signature works by the  artists, craftsmen and designers that define a time period or an overall thrust of the pottery companies body of work.

One such individual who did just that was Royal Arden Hickman (1893-1969) who brought his signature style to many works produced by Haeger Potteries (Dundee, Illinois) during his tenure with them from 1938 into the early 1940’s. His work was so important to the overall art pottery line produced by Haeger that his designs were issued under the “Royal Haeger” name. A line that today still carries his playfulness and sense of drama.

Van Briggle Pottery c.1946-48 7.75" Hand Thrown "Original" Ewer in Mulberry Glaze by Clem Hull, $150.00 SOLD

So today. weather permitting, when you are shopping the Long Beach Antique & Collectible Market, take some time to seek out special pieces of pottery and see if you can name the designer. In time you will see what one individual brought to the company and begin having those “ah-ha” moments of, “Yes, that Van Briggle ewer is a hand thrown Clem Hull work.”

Marc Bellaire c.1991 6.5" Hand Thrown & Painted Unique Vase - Made just prior to his death 1994, $160.00

The Long Beach Antique & Collectible Market is being held today, Sunday, March 20th from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM in the Veteran’s Stadium Parking lot. Be sure to visit our green and white tent, rain or shine, located in booth #A-853. For additional information on the Long Beach Flea Market contact us or visit their website http://www.longbeachantiquemarket.com.

Signature of Marc Bellaire on the c.1991 6.5" Hand Thrown & Painted Unique Vase

1 Comment

Filed under Antique Market, Collectibles, Haeger Pottery, Hand-thrown pottery, Marc Bellaire, Van Briggle Pottery

Tagged as , , , , , , ,

February 19, 2011 · 7:25 pm

Can You Help to Identify This Vase and Ceramic Dog?

31 inch Monmouth Western Stoneware Company Floor Vase – SOLD

From time to time readers of this blog and pottery collectors that we have met at events have sent us photos of items to identify and or appraise. Most of the time we are able to thumb through our library of pottery reference guides and books and identify the item and offer a brief history of the maker and a “book price”.  Frequently we find an article or the mentioning of an item through a web search.  Sometimes we get lucky and can even offer recent auction prices  which helps in the overall appraisal.

Every once in awhile (or in today’s case “twice in awhile”) we are stumped by an item and either unable to identify its’ maker or locate some information on the history of the item in question. So dear readers, having been recently stumped twice we are turning to you to help shed some light on two interesting pieces of pottery.

The first item is an impressive thirty-one inch floor vase made by the Western Stoneware Company of Monmouth, Illinois. The ink stamp is clear on the bottom of the vase (see photo) and there is also a black “X” next to the stamp.

31 inch Monmouth Western Stoneware Company Floor Vase Bottom Markings

Two things come to mind when looking at these markings. The first is that the “X” might indicate that this vase is a “second” and did not meet the maker’s standards. The second thing to note is that Western Stoneware bought Monmouth Pottery in 1905 and became the Monmouth Western Stoneware Company in 1906. The word Monmouth is missing from the stamp and might indicate that it was made before the merger.

The vase appears to be a floor vase or perhaps an oil jar, although the decorations seem extreme for an oil jar. The lion rampant is representative of the English Order of the Garter.

As for further information on this vase I turn to you, our readers, and ask that you e-mail us either through the comments section below or to our direct e-mail address BillyBlueEye@cox.net.

6 inch Turquoise Dog

The next item that we are looking to identify is a handsome six inch turquoise seated dog figurine. The owner of this item states that there are no markings or imprints whatsoever on the bottom or anywhere else on the item.

6 Inch Turquoise Dog Rear View

The glaze color of this figurine is certainly very similar to the Ming Turquoise glaze employed by Van Briggle. However, the over-spray color is absent. This certainly could be a unique work by an independent ceramicist however the item seems to have come from a mold. Again, dear readers anything you can tell us about this attentive pup would be appreciated. Again use either the comments section below or e-mail us direct at BillyBlueEye@cox.net.

6 Inch Turquoise Dog Side View

We will publish all responses to this post and hope that together we can put together an accurate history and appraisal.

Leave a comment

Filed under Collectibles, Monmouth Pottery, Pottery Identification & Appraisal

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,

January 13, 2011 · 4:31 pm

In Addition to Long Beach Antique & Collectible Show, Billy Blue Eye Adds the Del Mar Antique Show & Sale to January Events.

With the promise of a sunny, warm California winter weekend in the forecast, it is with great pleasure that Billy Blue Eye will attend the Long Beach Antique & Collectible Market this Sunday, January 16th.

In addition we have added to our January show schedule the three day Del Mar Antique Show & Sale held next weekend Friday, January 21st through Sunday, January 23rd. The Del Mar event is held indoors at the Del Mar Racetrack & Fairgrounds where we will not be at the mercy of  Mother Nature as we were with the pre-holiday events in November and December.

Monmouth Western Stoneware  c.1930-35 6.5″ Bud Vase w/ original label, $49.00 (Left) SOLD and Monmouth c.1927-35 9.5″ Cobalt Blue Double Frond Vase, $79.00 (Right) SOLD

Billy Blue Eye since its inception has proudly offered works by Monmouth Western Stoneware Company of Monmouth, Illinois as we were drawn to the rich saturation of their glaze colors.  Monmouth was formed in 1894 creating utilitarian items such as butter churns, bowls, crocks and jugs. In the early 1900’s the company created an art pottery line and its work was often mistaken as product from the Red Wing Union Stoneware Company (Red Wing, Minnesota) that competed with Monmouth at that time.

In 1905, Monmouth was sold and in 1906 it was merged with six other stoneware companies to create The Monmouth Western Stoneware Company.  A more detailed history of Monmouth can be found at Oldstoneware.com.  The link for the Monmouth history is provided here.

In conjunction with its strong color story what originally attracted us to Monmouth was its very unusual brushed ware works created in the early 1900’s and used to perfection in it’s Dull Finish line that was documented in a 1927 catalog.  Jardinieres, vases and bulb forcing bowls from three series “Fern”, “Lotus” and “Egyptian” are favorites not only with us but with collectors worldwide. Examples from these series will be available at the Long Beach and Del Mar shows this month.

Monmouth Western Stoneware Company c.1925-30 Blue 10" Dull Finish Lotus Vases, $140.00 each (Background - Both vases SOLD) and Monmouth c.1926-30 Blue 7" x 2" Dull Finish "Fern" Japanese Bird & Mountain Bowl, $90.00 (Foreground)

The Long Beach, California  Antique & Collectible Market held this  Sunday, January 16th is open from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM in the Veteran’s Stadium Parking lot.  Look for our green and white tent in our usual  booth, # A-853. For additional information on the Long Beach Flea Market contact us or visit their website http://www.longbeachantiquemarket.com. A discount admission coupon is available at their website.

Monmouth Western Stoneware c.1930's 8" Double Handled Scalloped Rim Vase w/ original label, $62.00 SOLD

We are proud to be joining in its’ 51st year, The Del Mar Antique Show & Sale held at the O’Brien Pavilion at the beautiful Del Mar Fairgrounds on  January 21 – 23, 2011. The show hours are Friday & Saturday from 11AM until 7PM and   Sunday beginning at 11AM until 5PM. A single admission purchase ($8 for adults) is good for the entire run of the show! Get a discount pass here.

Billy Blue Eye will be located in Booth 623 and in addition to Monmouth we will have treasures from all of your favorite pottery companies including Red Wing, Roseville, Van Briggle, McCoy, Weller, Catalina, Gladding McBean, Haeger, Stangl, Sascha Brastoff, Rookwood,  Beswick of England, and a selection of Australian, Canadian and German pottery companies. We have many new acquisitions to tempt the most discerning collectors.

For more information on the Del Mar Antique Show & Sale contact us directly or visit their website by clicking here. We look forward to seeing you soon at these events.

2 Comments

Filed under Antique Market, Antique Shows, Arts, Australian Pottery, Beswick Pottery, Catalina Pottery, Collectibles, McCoy, Monmouth Pottery, Red Wing Pottery, Rookwood Pottery, Roseville Pottery, Stangl Pottery, Van Briggle Pottery, Wall Pockets, Weller Pottery

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

December 12, 2010 · 12:20 pm

Great Holiday Shopping at the Long Beach Antique & Collectible Market – Sunday, December 19th.

Saturday, December 18th – Update on Long Beach Antique & Collectible Market:
Although we were ready to load the van today and ride out tomorrow’s deluge, common sense and the threat of strong wind gusts during tomorrow morning’s rain storm have prevailed and caused us to reconsider and decide that we WILL NOT attend the Long Beach Flea Market.

We send our sincere apology to our treasured clients and friends and hope that any gift giving plans will not be greatly affected. We  do offer to e-mail photos of available ceramic items and ship any purchases to arrive before Christmas. We will ship free on orders of $200.00 or more and do accept Visa and Master Card. If you would like us to assist you in this manner, please call us at 949-496-1889, Pacific Time (9am to 9pm) or e-mail us direct at billyblueeye@cox.net.

Beswick Pottery c.1936-40 by Mr. Owen in 1940 11.5" Double Handled Vase, Mold #429, $140.00 SOLD

We offer our warmest Holiday wishes for a Merry Christmas and a peace-filled and healthy New Year. We are grateful for your past support and sincerely treasure the friends that have been made through your association with Billy Blue Eye. We look forward to seeing you at the January 16th Long Beach Collectible & Antique Market.

Michael Horvath and Robert Patrick

Catalina Pottery by Gladding McBean c.1942 7" High Gloss Embossed Hand-painted Xmas Cactus Vase Polynesia Line #385, $150.00 rare and fine condition SOLD

Thursday, December 16th – To our Treasured Clients, Friends and Holiday Shoppers:

Even though the rain gods seem to be uncooperative these last few events and the forecast for this weekend is wet, wet and more wet, we will be at the Long Beach Flea Market this Sunday, December 19th rain or shine.

For those of you that shop us regularly, we have a large number of newly acquired ceramic items bought just for this Holiday Season. Included in this selection are items from Sascha Brastoff, Van Briggle Pottery, Beswick of England, Red Wing, Weller, Roseville and Catalina by Gladding McBean.

Sascha Brastoff - c.1953-62 8.5" "Abstract" Series Banded Pillar Vase, $135.00

If you are unable to attend or do not wish to shop in the rain, should the forecast be accurate,  please feel free to contact us either by phone or e-mail. We can e-mail you photos of newly acquired items and get them shipped to you in time for Christmas. You may reach us at 949-496-1889 Pacific Time (9am to 9pm please) or e-mail us at billyblueeye@cox.net.

Catalina Pottery by Gladding McBean c.1937-43 7.25" Ribbed Fan Vase in White w/ Turquoise Mold # C310, $115.00 SOLD

Catalina Pottery by Gladding McBean c.1938-42 8.5" Experimental Color Combo Ribbed Vase in Pumpkin w/Turquoise Mold #C263, $160.00 SOLD

We certainly hope that we will be able to see you on Sunday.  We wish to extend a sincere thank you to all our clients and offer a heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy 2011.

Michael Horvath and Robert Patrick


Are you having a hard time finding the perfect gift for that special someone that seems to have everything?  Too often we forget that gifts need not be brand new. Frequently the gifts that become life-long treasures are those that have been passed down from generation to generation. Shopping at the Long Beach Collectible & Antique Market offers one that type of option, of finding an item that becomes a generational gift.

Red Wing Pottery c.1920-30 10" Fish Handled Pitcher/Vase in Ivory with brown wipe glaze, $145.00 SOLD and c.1920-30 Semi Matte Ivory colored w/ brown wipe Candle holders, $85.00 (Not Pictured in Table-setting)

For me, my most cherished Christmas memories revolve around the dinner table. As a child it was my maternal Grandmother that prepared a traditional Polish Christmas Eve Banquet. In attendance were my five cousins and their parents, four siblings, Mom and Dad and of course the hostess and my Grandfather.  Being the second oldest of the children it wasn’t long before I was invited to the “adult table”. Sitting there, usually perched on a phone book or two, I was in admiration of the beautiful serving dishes, vases, candle sticks and other decorations that adorned the holiday table. So much so, that they began to symbolize what Christmas meant to me and their appearance on the dinner table enhanced the feeling of celebration.

Red Wing c.1950's 14" Ivory Cylinder on a Base Vase designed by Charles Murphy, $85.00 SOLD

As a young adult and years after my grandparents had passed, I annually recreated that Christmas meal complete with a keen and careful selection of items used in the table setting. Some items were passed down to me, others were carefully chosen to help set the festive mood, maintain the color scheme, and offer my guests the same feeling that this was to be a special and memorable meal. (And yes, they usually were.)

Billy Blue Eye Pottery has a wide range of ceramic items that can begin to take on that special meaning which helps create the atmosphere of “Christmas”, “Hanukkah” and all of the celebrations you hold dear. Pictured in this blog entry are a number of Red Wing Pottery items formally of Red Wing, Minnesota as well as items created for Red Wing during its’ partnership with Rum Rill Ceramics.

Red Wing c.1936 Two Piece Centerpiece w/ Stag Flower Frog in Ivory w/Brown Wipe over-glaze, $90.00 SOLD and a Rum Rill c.1930's Pair of 6.5" Triple Candelabras w/ original label, $110.00 SOLD

In addition to Red Wing and Rum Rill, Billy Blue Eye will be offering a selection of ceramic treasures from Roseville, Van Briggle, Weller, McCoy, Catalina by Gladding McBean, Beswick of England, Rookwood, Sascha Brastoff, Royal Haeger, Frankoma, Blue Mountain of Canada and Camark at Sunday’s Flea Market.

Red Wing c.1927-35 6" x 3" Grape Cluster Candle holders in Ivory w/ brown over-wipe, $50.00 and Red Wing c.1927-35 10" Vintage Grape Cluster Bowl in Ivory with brown over-wipe. $65.00 SOLD (Not Pictured in Table-setting) Three Piece Set (Pictured Above), $100

These great gifts and wonderful works of art are available by contacting us directly at billyblueeye@cox.net and  will be available for viewing this Sunday, December 19th at the Long Beach Antique & Collectible Market. We accept Visa, Master Card, and Pay Pal and all orders over $200.00 are shipped free.

Red Wing c.1945-55 8" Embossed Double Handled Vase in Ivory with brown over-glaze, $79.00 SOLD

The Long Beach Antique & Collectible Market is held from 6:30 AM to 2:00 PM in the Veteran’s Stadium Parking lot, visit our green and white tent,  booth A-853. For additional information on the Long Beach Flea Market contact us or visit their website http://www.longbeachantiquemarket.com. We hope to see you on Sunday.  Merry Christmas, a belated Happy Hanukkah and best wishes for the New Year from all of us at Billy Blue Eye to all of our “treasured clients and friends”.

Red Wing c.1930's 8.75" Semi-matte Ivory with Brown over-wipe, Double handled, Embossed Vase, $72.00 (Not Pictured in Table-setting)

Leave a comment

Filed under Antique Market, Beswick Pottery, Catalina Pottery, Christmas Gifts, Collectibles, Hand-thrown pottery, Holiday Traditions, McCoy, Recommendations, Red Wing Pottery, Rookwood Pottery, Roseville Pottery, Van Briggle Pottery, Wall Pockets, Weller Pottery

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

November 28, 2010 · 5:30 am

Great Holiday Shopping Today at the Jamestown Vintage Flea Market in Tustin, CA.

Billy Blue Eye Pottery is pleased to be joining the vendors at the monthly Jamestown Vintage Flea Market in Tustin, California today, November 28, 2010.

Jamestown Vintage Flea Market, Tustin, CA.

The event is held on the fourth Sunday of every month in the Jamestown Village parking area in Old Towne Tustin located at 474 El Camino Real, Tustin, CA, 92780 from 8AM until 3PM.

Van Briggle Pottery c.1916-1920 8.5"x3.25" Dragon Fly Console in Mulberry Glaze by Harvey Richards & Will Garcia, $300.00 SOLD

Billy Blue Eye will be located in space #46. As always look for our green & white tent.  We will be offering terrific Holiday Gift selections from Van Briggle, Roseville, Weller and Catalina Potteries to name a few. We hope to see you there!

Van Briggle Pottery, c.1940-60 5.25" Sleek and thin Bud Vase in Ming Turquoise Glaze, $85.00 SOLD

For more information or to purchase any of these great vases, contact us directly at billyblueeye@cox.net. We accept MasterCard, Visa and Pay Pal and all orders over $200.00 are shipped free .

1 Comment

Filed under Antique Market, Collectibles, Street Fairs, Van Briggle Pottery

Tagged as , , , , , , , ,