Strawser Auctions- La Grange, Indiana

Last Thursday we attended an auction in LaGrange, Indiana held by Strawser Auctions. The ad said they had a good deal of vintage Rookwood Pottery, so we determined to see for ourselves. It was at the fairgrounds, and it was easy to find due to the red "Auction" signs that led you directly to it. There was plenty of parking, and the weather was perfect.



Strawser Auction at the Fairgrounds, LaGrange, Indiana.

There was no snack bar today, but a food truck came and parked out back to ensure we had plenty of refreshments. When all was said and done, there were probably only a total of thirty bidders, and nearly all of them were resellers. They also offered Internet bidding, which as usual tends to but a base on all of the prices for the lots.

Inside There was Plenty of Room.

I was told that an antique dealer who had booths in multiple antique malls was liquidating, which explained the large number of smaller pieces. Altogether there were probably fifty to sixty small Rookwood Pottery  productionware pieces, four artist signed pieces, and a good dozen oddball pieces. We are actually looking to stock up on small productionware pieces, so it was perfect.

The first selection of Rookwood Pottery.

We picked up five pieces out of this first selection, and most of the rest went to the Internet. None of them topped $100 except for the pink vase in the upper left decorated by Louise Abel. It went for $200 on the floor, which was a good deal in our estimation. The bookends went for $200 as well.

Plenty more Rookwood Pottery small Productionware

For the second batch of vintage Rookwood Pottery, the Internet bidders started pushing the prices, often hitting $130 for common pieces. Even so, we still managed to grab six of these at bargain prices. The taller blue piece on the left managed $180.

We also picked up two tall celedon lamps. Once removing the base and electronics, we now have a beautiful pair of Rookwood celedon vases. Even though the bases are drilled, they still display very nicely. We also picked up an oddball Rookwood devil-head ashtray done in bisque (#2437) and a Rookwood electric clock that actually still works (#7048).

Overall it was a good day, and although we did not get everything we wanted, we still managed some good deals on vintage and antique Rookwood art pottery.