I hope it is ok to post this question here. Very new to the board!!

I have just purchased a pitcher that I love, and in looking for another one like it I haven't been able to find one exactly the same. But I have found two photos of what appear to be the exact same pitcher down to the slightest detail that I can see...just two different color schemes. These photos were of Joseph Holdcroft majolica game pitchers, circa 1860 to 1900.

I'm going to try and include the photo of the pitcher I have purchased. I don't have it in hand yet, but I read that one way to tell if it's authentic is by the color schemes that are documented as Holdcroft color schemes. I don't know whether or not there are any marks, etc. Any ideas on this and what it might be worth if it is a replica or if it is an authentic?

Thanks so very much!!
--Kathy

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In case that doesn't show up, try this:
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b45/greyhoundobsession/pitcher.jpg

Kathy

You pitcher is beautiful and certainly looks like Holdcroft. Most of the Victorian majolica pieces were decorated with snakes, insects, animals, nature, etc. You hound handle and dead game decoration is more or less a usual decoration instead of a special "game pitcher".

Holdcraft is marked with an impressed mark...they used two kinds. Cafefully examine the marks! The early 20th century public rejected these pieces as gross and there was little market for them. They are becoming collectible now and, as usual, as the cost goes up the reproductions begin. It would be difficult to tell about your pitchers without close examination. Most reproductions will have Japan, China, Italy, Indonesia etc marks as well. Sometimes, however, these are paper labels that are taken off. The glaze is not uniform on repros. The orignals were completely glazed. Repros may have glaze missing from bottom and under side of rims. The only way to be sure would be to have an expert examine it for you. One of the largest auction houses for this is Rago Arts in Pennsylvania. You may be able to check our website (www.isa-appraisers.org) and do the "Find an Appraiser" to locate someone near you.

Majolica is hot now days!!!

Bill Carner
Birmingham, AL