Q: I have a vase with this N in C mark as well as several other letters and numbers stamped or inscribed on it. Who made it and how old is it?

A: This N in C mark was used by Newcomb Pottery, founded in 1895 at Sophie Newcomb College, a women’s college in New Orleans. The pottery continued through the 1940s. Students at the college decorated pottery formed by men. Throwing pots was not considered a suitable occupation for women.

Several other marks can be found on pieces of Newcomb Pottery. Initials of the decorator and potter were incised on the bottom of the piece. A date letter code was used from 1901 to 1942. The year was indicated by one or two letters. Single letters A through Z were used until sometime in 1903, when double letters AA, BB, etc., were used. In 1904 the double letter system changed to AA, AB, AC, etc., until the last date letter code, ZY, was used in 1941.

Each piece of Newcomb Pottery was unique. The number after the date letters indicates the number of the piece. There were 100 numbered pieces for each letter or letter combination.

N in C mark used by Newcomb Pottery

One response to “N in C mark”

  1. gina66 says:

    where can i get a price on a newcomb college figurine..my piece has the N inside the C on the bottom but no other markings that i notice. There are a series of dots but Im not sure if this is a mark of some sort or just an imperfection. The item appears to be a vase (though i dont think it would have been used for the purpose due to the size of it). It is 7 1/2 inches tall at the highest point. It features a young lad dressed in knickers, knee length jacket, frilly shirt, fancy scarf tied around his neck and a hat. He is holding a small violin type instrument with a rooster sitting next to him. inside the vase , there is a pink flower with leaves, inside at the top. It is very ornate and detailed and the colors are still vibrant. Can you tell me where to get more info and prices. I read that newcomb college was a canadian womens college and that the pieces made were done as their final exam to graduate. Because of that, they are no 2 pieces alike. Thats alot different from what I read here. Thank you for your time. Gina

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