A Frederick H. Rhead tile panel 20 3/4 inches square sold at a Rago Arts auction in October 2012 for a surprising $637,500. The estimate had been $35,000 to $45,000. The tile was made at the University City pottery in 1910. Rhead worked as a designer and potter at many American potteries, including Roseville, Arequipa, Rhead, Weller, American Encaustic Tiling Co., and Homer Laughlin. He designed Fiesta dinnerware.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo: Rago Arts and Auction Center