This page will explore known Van Briggle Pottery marks used by the company over the years. The method of signing pieces did change over the years. This page is designed to be a basic guide to help you identify the actual date of your piece of Van Briggle.

Differences in script, clay color, bottom residue, finishers numbers, glazers marks and artist initials can all help in the dating of a piece of Van Briggle pottery.

The earliest pieces of Van Briggle will often have the AA logo, company name, roman numerals and a date and stamped shape number in most cases. Sometimes these bottom marks are glaze obscured or partially ground off of the bottom. Often times the bottom of the piece is also completely glazed but not always.

The 1908-12 era pieces will often times have the company name and logo along with finishers numbers on each side of the AA logo and a 3 digit shape number on the base. Sometimes there is a white wash on the bottom of these pieces. Often time the bottom is heavily ground on pieces from this era.

Many pieces were dated in the teens era from 1912 (scarce), 1913, 1914, 1915 to 1921. The 1921 pieces are also somewhat scarce. Many pieces were dated in the 1915-1920 era. Dark clay is often seen on these late teens pieces along with glaze residue on the bottom.

From 1922 - 1926 Van Briggle exported pottery to other countries and pieces included U.S.A in the bottom mark during this time period.

The clay color and finish changed a bit during the 1920's - 30's and even again in the 1940's to 1960's. The script style of the finishers is a great way to help date the pieces from this era.  The earlier pieces from this time period tend to have unglazed or buff clay while later pieces in this period have a lighter color clay and sometimes a clear finsih over the clay.

Modern day pieces - those that have been made in the past 25 years often times will include the initials of the etcher and potter on the bottom. Such as MLP, LS. HVM, DK, AO etc.

Pieces made since 2000 have a unique marking system. Starting in 2000 the bottom marking included a V mark. 2000 is V, 2001 is V1, 2002 is V2, 2003 V3 etc on up to the present year. Sometimes these are sold as old pieces by resellers.

Below is a photo record in sequential order of Van Briggle pottery marks staring from the first year of production in 1901 to the present. Also included will be some unusual marks found on early pieces, experimental marks and other marks found on some novelty items. Click on the first photo to start a slide show.