Information on Lithgow Pottery Trade Mark Stamps

Hello,

I recently acquired a Lithgow Pottery, Rockingham Glaze, Jelly Mould and on researching, noticed there are a few marks used, including a simple "LITHGOW" mark.

The stamp on my piece is Trade Mark with a Kangaroo.

I'm wondering can pieces be dated using the relative stamps used? and how rare are these pieces? Have they been faked because mune is in perfect condition.

 

many thanks,

Douglas

Message 1 of 9
Latest reply
8 REPLIES 8

Information on Lithgow Pottery Trade Mark Stamps

I have 2 Lithgow jelly moulds - one has a Lithgow stamp, the other a kangaroo mark. I have Ian Evans books The Lithgow Pottery - he calls this mark kangaroo mark type 1 but says "from company records there is no indication in which order the different marks were introduced." Majolica can chip easily but probably a jelly mould would not be subject to much rough handling. I don't know about the prevalence of fakes but I would think if you were  going to bother to fake Lithgow you would be concentrating on items potentially more valuable - like plates, teapots, cheese covers, jugs. The jelly moulds apparently came in 8 patterns - I have what are known as Arcaded and Pineapple. If you show a pic of yours inside I could probably tell you the pattern. Sizes ranged 0.5 pint (5 inches long) to 3 pints (10 inches long). I don't know how commonly these come on the market these days - I paid over the odds for mine (considering their condition which is not the best) because I wanted an example for my collection and I don't really go to the type of Australiana auctions where you would usually hope to find Lithgow. Specialist Australiana auctioneers like Graham Lancaster, Roycroft,  - Joel's Melbourne has regular sales - would no doubt see examples more often. Looking at Oz auction past sales on Invaluable, jelly moulds come up just as (or more) frequently than almost everything else - probably because they are easier to collect than large demi-johns and more attractive than bird feeders. Going on achieved prices there you would probably expect to pay $100-$300 hammer price, depending on size, pattern and condition. (I paid $220 hammer for my two 3 years ago).

Message 2 of 9
Latest reply

Information on Lithgow Pottery Trade Mark Stamps

Thank You for getting back and for your comprehensive response, I appreciate it. As a collector, it can be a lonely hobby, I don't get a chance to talk to like minded people face to face, so nice to at least talk online.

I did attach 2 images of the Jelly Mould in question, are you able to see them? This is the first time I've used this forum so unsure if done correctly.

I have read other comments on Lithgow stamps and have seen statements like "With an Early Mark" so not sure if the statements were just a selling ruse.

Also am I correct in saying these pieces, and indeed all decorative pieces, were manufactured between 1879 and 1896?

I'm happy to say the mould is genuine, as it has the look of age about it. and to have a 120 year old piece that I picked up at a thrift store for $4, is just wonderful.

I wasn't even aware of Lithgow pottery until I researched this piece, so that was even more of a surprise. Inother Australian Pottery line to collect.

 

thanks again for your help,

 

Message 3 of 9
Latest reply

Information on Lithgow Pottery Trade Mark Stamps

$4  ???? Wow!!! Can I come thrifting with you. Seriously, what a find. Ian Evans gives the dates 1880 to 1907 - from the commencement of production until the liquidation of Australasian Brownfield's Pottery - as it was then trading, using all original moulds. A kangaroo mark was registered in 1879. The Lithgow stamp was first mentioned in records in 1888 but may have been in use earlier. The mark you show (with the Lithgow "scroll") was shown in the 1889 and 1895 catalogues; as to an "early mark" - Evans does show a rare "large kangaroo" mark which does not have the words trade mark - he says this may pre-date 1884. From my reading of his book (I am NO expert) there is no definitive dating of the various marks.

I can only see the photo which shows the base and mark. As a point of interest apparently the jelly moulds sold for 13/- per dozen - I am assuming this was for the smallest size. Evans' book reproduces pages from the 1889 catalogue, which show designs, sizes, and in some cases prices have been pencilled in.

Message 4 of 9
Latest reply

Information on Lithgow Pottery Trade Mark Stamps

Thanks again, excellent and comprehensive information, You're great! ๐Ÿ™‚

Message 5 of 9
Latest reply

Information on Lithgow Pottery Trade Mark Stamps

If you are ever interested in selling your jelly mould I would be instrested in buying it 

regards art

Message 6 of 9
Latest reply

Information on Lithgow Pottery Trade Mark Stamps

Lithgow Pottery Jelly mould is for sale Item Number 253892633049

Message 7 of 9
Latest reply

Information on Lithgow Pottery Trade Mark Stamps

Sold for $335. Great eBay auction price.

 

s-l1600.jpg

image host
Message 8 of 9
Latest reply

Information on Lithgow Pottery Trade Mark Stamps

Goes to show, you only need 2 (or in this case 3) people.

Message 9 of 9
Latest reply