Van Briggle, unfortunately, lost his battle with tuberculosis in 1904, which gave him little time to revel in his accomplishments before he died. However, the Colorado-based business he founded continued under the guidance of his widow, Anne, through 1912. Other entities kept the pottery brand moving forward after Anne gave up the helm. The early pieces made from 1900 through 1907 were all dated, making those very easy to distinguish. All pieces made prior to 1907 have the “AA” mark (which sometimes looks like an igloo at first glance) and the date on the bottom. Some include the words “Van Briggle” as well. This is also true for select items made from 1908 through 1920, but there were some items made during this period that do not have a date as part of the mark. The location of the business, Colorado Springs, Colorado, was added to pieces made after 1920 and is usually abbreviated to Colo. Spgs, Co. due to space constraints. Some pieces were signed or initialed by the artists who crafted them; others have identifying mold numbers stamped into the bottoms. Newer pieces can be purchased ranging from $20 for candleholders to several hundred for a figural vase. A few limited edition pieces have also been produced and have sold for up to $1,500 range when they were new in the early 2000s. Special Van Briggle Collector’s Society pieces in unique shapes and colors have also been available to members in the past and hold special interest to art pottery enthusiasts.
