Royal Hickman Pottery

Q: I’m not a collector, but have a pottery piece I’ve had for several years bought at an estate auction. I’ve been trying to find a value for the piece. A:  Your piece is labeled with a sticker reading “California Designed by Royal Hickman.” Hickman was a designer for Haeger Potteries in Dundee, Illinois, from […]

Royal Haeger Fountain

Q: We purchased this fountain from Haeger Potteries of East Dundee, Illinois, in the early 1960s. Around 20 years ago, I called the Haeger company to see if it had any value. They told me it was worth “at least” $350 at that time. Evidently the person who sculpted it only did one of a kind sculptures. Since I’ve turned 80 and downsized, I don’t really have the space to display it properly. Can you tell me if it still has any collectible value? The only markings I noticed were the words “Royal Haeger.”

A: Haeger Potteries started in 1871 as the Haeger Pottery Plant. It was founded by Daniel Haeger, the owner of a brickyard in Dundee, Illinois. The company made bricks and tiles. Art pottery was made beginning in 1914. Dinnerware, lamps and florist ware were also made. Pieces marked “Royal Haeger” were made after designer Royal Hickman joined the pottery in 1938. He worked at Haeger Potteries from 1938 to 1944 and in the 1950s and ’60s. Members of the family ran the pottery until it closed in 2016. It’s difficult to judge the value of a “one of a kind” sculpture. It depends partly on the size and decorative appeal. Some 12-inch-high Royal Haeger fountains of a boy pouring water have sold for $275 to $325.

Royal Haeger Vase

Q: I’d like to know if you know if the vase attached has any value? It was my grandmother’s. On the bottom is “Royal Haeger, RG148, USA” in raised letters. I see them online but not with the numbers stamped on the bottom like the one I have.

A: This is a planter made by Haeger Potteries, Inc., of Dundee, Illinois. The figure is Madonna. The company started making commercial artwares in 1914. Early pieces were marked with the name “Haeger” written over the letter “H” but the mark was changed to “Royal Haeger” about 1938 in honor of Royal Hickman, a designer at the factory. The pottery closed in 2016. Haeger made several different versions of the Madonna planter. We’ve seen other planters like yours with the same mark on the bottom. The “RG” mark indicates this planter is part of the Royal Garden Flower-ware line, which was made from 1954 to 1963. Pieces were made with solid matte finishes. The designs were numbered in the order in which they were made. The last piece designed was numbered “RG198.” Value of your planter, about $15.