Weller Potter ‘Coppertone’
Designed by Weller ceramic artist Rudolph Lorber, the Coppertone line of pottery featuring a rich, mottled green glaze was an instant hit, and has been popular with pottery lovers ever since its introduction.
First appearing in advertisements in House and Garden and House Beautiful Magazines, Weller Coppertone pottery was an almost immediate success with gardeners, collectors and decorators. Coppertone pottery was made in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and the line included vases, urns, console bowls, candle sticks, oil jars, ashtrays, baskets, flower pots, tiles, flower frogs, figurines, planters, sprinklers, lamps, and more.
Figures of frogs, turtles, and butterflies adorn vases, console bowls, candleholders, and lamps. Some of the frog figurines are simply figurines, but there were also Coppertone lawn and garden sprinklers in the shape of frogs as well. Frogs hunker down in console bowls; adorn vases and planters, splash in fountains, help water lawns and garden, hold up candles and flowers.
The Coppertone Glaze
The mottled Coppertone Glaze was created with a combination brush and sponge technique. The brown or tan undercoat was lightly brushed on, and the green over glaze was applied with a sponge. Coppertone pottery pieces were available in three colorways – gloss green, matte green, and blue green. The figural frogs and turtles were all done in a gloss, never a matte glaze.
Coppertone Pottery Values
Coppertone pieces are among the most collectible and desirable of Weller Pottery collectibles, and since much of the Coppertone line was made for use, pieces in perfect condition are hard to find. While prices have come down on for the most common items, Large, undamaged and unusual pieces are still eagerly sought by collectors.
Brief History of Weller Pottery
Founded in 1872 by Samuel Weller, the original pottery was located on Weller’s Ohio farm and consisted of one cabin and one kiln. Weller was a farmer who dug the clay on his own land. In the off-season, Weller produced flower pots, crocks and bowls which he delivered around the countryside with his horse and wagon. By 1882, the pottery had become successful enough to require a larger facility, so Weller moved his business to Zanesville. When Samuel died, Harry Weller became president, a position he held until 1932. It was during Harry’s years at the helm that the Coppertone line was introduced.
Weller Pottery’s Coppertone garden ware is among the most collectible of Weller lines, and has been popular ever since its introduction in 1929. Collectors pay premium prices for Coppertone pieces in excellent condition.
-Reference note by p4A Contributing Editor Susan Cramer.