What is a top piece?

Hello,

I'm a starting collector.
I'm following a course about antiques and we have to make an essay. My subject will be "ceramics of the 1960's en 1970's".
And I want to tell also about top pieces. But what is a top piece?
Is it how less there are made of. The quality, the designer of the piece?
And what are the prices?
Can somebody help me?

Kind regards,
Jim M78

Hi Jim - is there a particular type of pottery or region you're interested in? Because obviously there were a great many potteries operating in the 1960s and 1970s - can you be a little more specific please?

I would like to make my essay about "West-German Ceramics of 1960's and 1970's".
I would like to talk about the history, brands, and what is a top piece and the price from small to top piece.

I would suggest buying deutsche keramik und porzellane by MP Thomas on sale on Ebay ,(german text) it covers some good companies from the 60's and 70's also books by Horst makus would be helpful , as regards what is a top piece or pricing pieces that is very speculative and many factors would have to come into account , the most popular names at the moment are Scheurich , Still producing today and Roth ,of which very little is known at the moment . The whole subject is still very much in a learning curve with mucho work still to be researched . PS why not write about "nuclear physics" (the fun side ), it would be easier , good luck, Ed

Sounds like an interesting course Jim. Is it at the local community college or online, or...?

Carolyn

If it's West German pottery you want to focus on then I agree with Ed's book recommendations and his comments. I'd recommend you also take a look at Forrest Poston's website (www.ginforsodditiques.com) and read some of his extremely informative and interesting articles on the subject (please ensure you respect his copyright and don't reproduce any of his work in your essay though).

As far as my West German pottery customers are concerned they're buying interesting forms and/or colourful glazes - the reds, oranges and blues are extremely popular - and if the piece also has a crusty glaze then even better. I find that my customers tend to collect a 'look' rather than a particular factory.

Good luck with your course and your essay.

Hello,

I'm following the course because I'm interested in antique. It's a course of 3 years. At the end I have to make an essay on a subject we may choose. I choose for ceramics of thye 60's and 70's.
Because I'm a starting collector I also choose this subject. So I can learn many things about ceramics. And I can use this information for myself when I find pottery on markets or auctions.

Thanks Pip for the info.
The book of Horst Markus and M.P. Thomas I bought them a couple of months ago on a antique fair.
And I bought the book of Mark Hill on the internet.
5 january I will get it.