ETRURIA CRETONA

Q: I have a large vase with these marks on the bottom. Can you tell me anything about it?

A: This mark was used on pottery made at the Etruria Works in Trenton, New Jersey, from 1863 to 1894. The pottery, Bloor, Ott & Booth, was founded by William Bloor, Joseph Ott, and Thomas Booth in 1863. Booth retired in 1864 and John Hart Brewer, Ott's nephew, became a partner in 1865. The company name became Ott & Brewer after Bloor retired in 1871. The name "Etruria" copied the name of a pottery established by Josiah Wedgwood in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, in 1769. The crown mark further promotes the image of English-quality china. Cretona is the name of the pattern. Large Cretona vases sell for about $150.

WEDGWOOD

Will the price of Wedgwood go down if the factory closes? Some collectors say that because there are so many who buy vintage and antique pieces, prices will hold. The pieces made after World War II may go up for a while because the supply of Wedgwood will be smaller. But we have noticed in similar cases that after about 25 years, prices go down because there are no new retail ads to attract young buyers.

IS NOW THE TIME TO BUY WATERFORD & WEDGWOOD?

Waterford Wedgwood, the famous British firm, lost so much money in the past few years it was forced to file for bankruptcy protection on Monday (January 5). Most of the firm's ceramics are now made in Jakarta, Indonesia (look at the bottom of new dishes in any store), and much of its Waterford Crystal is made by subcontractors in Eastern Europe. Waterford and Wedgwood are brands that have been around for almost 250 years. The Royal Doulton and Rosenthal brands are also owned by the company. Royal Worcester and Spode filed for bankruptcy last November. Collectors will have to wait to see what happens to these famous English glass and ceramics brands. They could disappear.