In the unassuming aisles of local thrift stores, rare and highly valuable items can often be found by those willing to search diligently. Among the most coveted discoveries for collectors is a vintage teapot crafted by 18th-century potter John Bartlam—an item that has fetched staggering sums at auction and remains one of the most prized pieces of early American porcelain.
John Bartlam, recognized as the first porcelain manufacturer in the United States, produced his wares in South Carolina during the late 1700s. His pottery is exceptionally rare, with only a small number of pieces known to still exist—most of which are housed in museum collections. This rarity significantly boosts their value in today’s collectors’ market.
One such example occurred in 2018, when a Bartlam teapot purchased for just $20 at a thrift store sold at auction for more than $600,000. This extraordinary case highlights the potential value hidden among secondhand goods and has fueled interest in identifying Bartlam’s work in the wild.
Collectors hoping to identify an authentic Bartlam teapot should look for several distinctive features. Pieces produced in his South Carolina factory often bear a Palmetto motif and are finished with a cobalt blue glaze. Bartlam’s craftsmanship also includes unique stylistic elements and experimentation with various clays and soft-paste porcelain formulas, which give his ceramics a distinctive chemical signature.
Due to the scarcity and potential value of these artifacts, professional authentication is strongly recommended. Consulting a qualified appraiser is essential for verifying authenticity, especially for those intending to resell the item.
As the 2018 discovery demonstrated, even a seemingly ordinary thrift store shelf could be home to a priceless piece of American history.
