Identifying Marks of Overbeck Pottery

The identification of Overbeck Pottery pieces is a rather straightforward process. All pieces were marked beginning in 1910, and the system remained more or less consistent throughout the years with minor variations. The standard monogram formed by the letters O, B, and K was always incised or impressed. Beneath this monogram were often 2 additional letters, on the left indicating the potter and the right that of the designer.

The initials used by each of the designers and potters was as follows:

• M, F, MF for Mary Francis

• E for Elizabeth

• H for Hannah

• M for Margaret

It is important to note that the Overbeck sisters did not use any printed labels, nor did they typically mark their pieces with dates, although dated pieces are rarely found. They were by their nature perfectionists, and any piece which might have been considered a "second" would be immediately destroyed.