Pheasant Platter

Q: This platter picturing two pheasants belonged to my father’s great-grandmother and was given to my mother in 1960. The front of the platter is signed “Edwin Megargee” and the back is marked “Semi porcelain” with an arrow through the middle of a bow. It has small shatter marks in the top glaze but no chips. Is it worth anything?

 

A: The bow and arrow mark was an early mark used by Harker Pottery Co., in business in East Liverpool, Ohio, from 1890 to 1972. This picture of male and female pheasants was painted by Edwin Megargee (1883-1958), an artist known for his realistic paintings of animals. It was used on gamebird plates and sets made by several different potteries before the late 1920s. Single game plates sell for about $20 to $50; sets with a platter and six plates can get $100 or more.

 

Harker Hot Oven

Q: I have a Harker Hot Oven Bowl. I’d like find out what the pattern is. The stamp is different than the ones I am finding. I have attached photos to assist. I’m also curious if you can tell me how old it is.

A: The Harker family began making pottery in Ohio in 1840. Harker Pottery Company was incorporated in East Liverpool, Ohio, in 1890. The company claimed to be the oldest pottery in America. Hot Oven “oven-to-table” ware was first made in 1926. This pattern is called “Mallow.” Bowls, bouillon cups, custard cups, rolling pins, salt and pepper shakers, scoops, spoons, and other items were made in this floral pattern. Value of your bowl, about $25.

 

Harker Pottery

Q: I have a very old bowl with pictures of fruit and worn gold gilding on it. The pottery itself is slightly grazed. This mark is on the bottom. Who made this and how old is it?

A: Your bowl was made by the Harker Pottery Company of East Liverpool, Ohio. The Harker family began making pottery in the area in 1840. The company was incorporated in 1890. The plant moved to Chester, West Virginia, in 1931. Harker Pottery Company was sold to Jeannette Glass Company in 1971 and all operations ceased in 1972. This bow and arrow mark with the initials “HPC” on one side of the arrow and “Co” on the other side was used from about 1890 to 1930.