- Pigeon Forge Pottery – (865-453-3883)
- pottery made by master craftspeople
- all pottery made from local clay and glazes made from minerals in Smokies
Pigeon Forge Potter’s marks:
- hand-incised - Pigeon Forge Pottery
- hand-incised - Pigeon Forge Pottery (the artist’s signature)
- hand-incised - Pigeon Forge Pottery (the artist’s signature & date)
- hand-incised - (the artist’s signature)
- stamped -ThePigeon Forge Pottery
- stamped -ThePigeon Forge Pottery Pigeon Forge Tenn
Douglas Ferguson (founder, legendary potter)
E. WILSON
Ernest Wilson (father-in-law)
Jane Ferguson (daughter)
E. Ownby ? / E. Quimby ?
Ellis Ownby
was one of the first potters to be hired by Doug Ferguson at the Pigeon Forge Pottery. He remained with the pottery until it's close.
H. Shults
G. Giffin
A. Huskey
B. Smeicer? / B. Smelcer ?1954 B. Smelcer?
Doris Boling
D. Boling was one of the potters at the Pigeon Forge Pottery in the late 1900's.
R. Ballard 1978
P. Bennett
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This signed Pigeon Forge Pottery Tenn owl has one of the lovely feather-like glazes developed by Douglas Ferguson and not seen in any other pottery. It measures 5” tall, 4-1/2” long, and 2” wide and is in excellent condition.
Founded in 1946 by Douglas Ferguson and his father-in-law Ernest Wilson, this much-loved pottery flourished in the Great Smokey’s tourist spot, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee – just a few miles from Gatlinburg.
If you’ve been collecting it for any time at all, you’re probably aware of the fantastic glazes and superb forms produced here. Many different clays were used, in making everything from porcelain to red clay from a piece of land they owned about 2 miles from the pottery to stoneware to ? Clay animals were fired to cone 6, which is almost 2000 degrees F. and the crystalline pieces were fired at cone 10.
Glazes! Wow – volcanic, crystalline, gorgeous matte, incredible glazes. One of the reasons to collect the owls and other birds is because of the wide variety of bird-feather-like glazes that have been found.
I believe that this pottery may be the next Rookwood to the astute collector, where even the production pieces are highly sought after. If you collect the dogwood painted pieces, you may be interested in knowing that for the last several years the pottery was open, there were no more dogwood pieces produced, because they were unable to find people who could do the hand-painted decorations to their high standards. Also, it appears that the rare colors of mint green, light blue, and pink pottery were used for the dogwood pieces only in the first 15 years of the pottery’s existence. What about the red?
Douglas Ferguson retired in 1998 and died in February of 1999. His daughter, Jane Ferguson, also a fine potter in her own right, kept the pottery going until 2000 when it was closed. There is a pottery named Pigeon RIVER Pottery now in Pigeon Forge that is making similar pieces and some of the old PFP potters are working there, but it is NOT Pigeon Forge Pottery.
Here’s a tip for you: Pieces made in 1998 and later that are just signed Ferguson were made by Jane Ferguson, not Douglas. These could become extremely collectible themselves as Jane was only there for a few years. Also, it was Jane, as a child, whose simple drawings were the inspiration for the decorations found on the mugs that feature animals.
The Pigeon Forge Pottery, located in the town of the same name in the Smokey Mountain region of Tennessee was owned and operated by Doug Ferguson and closed in 2000, following his death.
The Dogwood painted pieces date before 1970 when they were discontinued due to the inability to find pottery painters.
C:1950-60
Pigeon Forge Pottery Matched Creamer and Sugar-Dogwood
click for more pictures
$24.00 /
inquire by e-mail / Item #PF-1922
Matched pieces of Pigion Forge pottery are difficult to find as each piece was hand painted and the pieces were painted by type not sets. This is one of the rare examples.
The creamer is 2 3/4" while the sugar is 3" to the top of the lid. Both are gloss glazed in turquoise.
The Pigeon Forge Pottery, located in the town of the same name in the Smokey Mountain region of Tennessee was owned and operated by Doug Ferguson and closed in 2000, following his death.
The Dogwood painted pieces were discontinued in 1970 due to the inability to find pottery painters.
Though not an exact match this set works nicely with the teapot Item PF-1921.
C: 1950-60
Pigeon Forge Pottery Baby Barn Owl
click for more pictures
$20.00 /
inquire by e-mail / Item #PF-1926
What a cutie! This little guy seems to be saying "I want my mommie". Standing just 2 1/2" tall and 2" wide he's sure to find a spot in your home or office.
Doug Ferguson, the owner of the Pigeon Forge pottery was known for his innovative glazes, this high fire mottled glaze creates deep crevices as it fires to give this little guy a realistic look.
C:1970
Pigeon Forge Pottery Smoky Mountain Black Bear
click for more pictures
$22.00 /
inquire by e-mail / Item #PF-1927
Undoubtedly the most collected of the Pigeon Forge items through the years both by tourists and collectors this Smoky Mountain Black Bear is the original pose although many poses were created through the years.
The clay dates this piece to after 1955 but it could have been made any time before 2000 when the pottery closed.
This bear stands 4" tall, 3 1/2" at the base.
Pigeon Forge Pottery Tall Cylinder Vase-Dogwood Painted
click for more pictures
$18.00 /
inquire by e-mail / Item #PF-1928
The perfect vase for cat-tails or pampas grass this cylindrical vessel stands 8" tall, 2 1/2" in diameter.
The Pigeon Forge Pottery, located in the town of the same name in the Smoky Mountain region of Tennessee was owned and operated by Doug Ferguson and closed in 2000, following his death.
The hand painted Dogwood on this vase dates it to before 1970 when the painting was discontinued.
C: 1950-60
Pigeon Forge Tile
A nicely designed tile mounted on a great walnut
plaque. Pigeon Forge Pottery closed its doors
in the not too distant passed and another fine
American Pottery has felt the scourge of cheap
imports. The pottery portion of this item is 6" in
diameter. The walnut plaque is 7½ inches. In excellent condition. (item 3233)To view other
"kitchen sink" items CLICK HERE.)
$25.00(Sold)
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Life of Riley Collectiques
PIGEON FORGE POTTERY
Rare 1950s large Pigeon Forge vase with full signature Douglas Ferguson, measures 8 and 3/4 inches tall $395
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
Large Pigeon Forge owl with jeweled eyes, measures 9 inches tall signed D. Ferguson $250
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Pigeon Forge Pottery - Watch pottery being made by master craftspeople; all pottery made from local clay and glazes made from minerals in Smokies; items available for sale have Pigeon Forge Potter's mark (865-453-3883)
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Here's a tall column style vase made and marked by The Pigeon Gorge Pottery. Teh finish is very textured and smooth at the same time. Dark chocolate brown and gray all over inside as well. Vase measures 8" height and is 2-1/2" in diameter. Comes with an insert from Pigeon Forge Pottery and describes the pottery....."made from native red and gray clays found around Pigeon Forge. Glazes are made from native wood ash, feldspar, rocks and ores and have a unique quality and depth of color. Shapes of simple beauty are "thrown" on the potters wheel or casted and freehand decorated with "slip", using only mountain inspired designs." and has the name of Douglas J. Ferguson at the bottom. This is definitely a natural glaze intended to look like granite or rock. MINT condition, no chips, cracks, flaws or any signs of use. Must have been sitting in a cabinet for years. Comes with the little brochure as shown in my picture. Thanks, Molly
Pigeon Forge Pottery is increasingly popular with the discerning Southern Art Pottery collector. Even production pieces are in demand because of their hand work and wonderful glazes. Pigeon Forge Pottery was founded in 1946 by Douglas Ferguson. Assisted at first by his father-in-law, Ernest Wilson, this tourist attraction gained a reputation early on for the consistent quality and artistic appeal. The pottery employed a wide variety of clays, styles, and fabulous glazes. The pottery was a mainstay of the area economy for 53 years, employing many local artists (including Jane Ferguson) and finally closed in 1999, a year after the founder's death.
$325USD / / Douglas Ferguson 9.5" Standing Bear--One Of A Kind?Pottery:Pigeon Forge
This wonderful bear is tall, standing 9.5" to the ear tip and weighs in at a hefty two pounds. He is marked only with the signature of Douglas Ferguson, the Pigeon Forge Pottery mark is not on it. This is unusual in as much as Mr. Ferguson very ...
Greta's Place ~ Exclusively on Ruby Lane
$65USD / / Pigeon Forge Crater Glaze Barn Owl
Pottery:Pigeon Forge
The crater glaze is one of many glazes that can be found only on Pigeon Forge Pottery. Developed and perfected by Doug Ferguson, owner of the pottery the glaze is especially effective on the owls and jugs. This guy peers at you with his wonderful ...
Greta's Place ~ Exclusively on Ruby Lane
$20
Pigeon Forge Pottery ROOSTER Coffee Mug
Collectibles:Pottery
Offered for sale is a very collectible coffee mug decorated with a rooster. The interior is glazed in pale lemon yellow The bottom is signed. The Pigeon Forge Pottery closed in 2000. Doug Ferguson, it's founder passed away in the 1990's. Please check ...
YESTERDAYS Antiques & Collectib ~ Exclusively on Ruby Lane
Wanted to buy--postcards that we do not already list pertaining to the Pigeon Forge Pottery in Pigeon Forge Tennessee, or to its founder Douglas Ferguson. Please offer us some! *c
/ Porcelain and Pottery:
Signed Pigeon Forge D Ferguson Fox
For this listing we have a Signed Pigeon Forge D. Ferguson Fox. It measures 4 1/4 inches tall, 11 1/4 inches wide, and is marked as you can see from the picture. This piece is in excellent condition having no chips or cracks, and very little wear from age and use. What a lovely piece to add to your collection!
$ 174.99
/ Porcelain and Pottery:
5 ½ inch Pigeon Forge Pottery Pitcher
5 ½ inch Pigeon Forge Pottery Pitcher. In Perfect Condition. Pitcher is 5 ½ inches tall decorated with dogwood blossoms and a blue interior, marked 1958 Pigeon Forge Pottery Tenn. L110x13. (s8)
$ 45.00
/ Porcelain and Pottery-American Ceramics Products:
Pigeon Forge cream pitcher
Pigeon Forge cream pitcher. It measures 4 ¼ inches tall and has a floral pattern on the front with a tan exterior and yellow interior. It is marked Pigeon Forge Pottery, Pigeon Forge, Tenn. There are no cracks and no chips, it is in excellent condition. L542x3.
$ 22.00
/ Coasters:
Pigeon Forge Pottery Coasters
Four nice grayish blue coasters by Pigeon Forge Pottery--Two coasters have a wheat design while the other two have a snowflake design--good used condition
$ 22.00
/ Kitchen Other: Creamers
Pigeon Forge Pottery Dogwood Creamer
Dogwood pattern Individual creamer with speckled gray background. 2 1/2" high to tip of lip. Pigeon Forge Pottery is quickly becoming highly collectible. Started by Douglas Ferguson in 1946 it produced some of the most acclaimed pottery of the 20th century. Unfortunately it ceased operations in 2000 following the death of Ferguson in 1998. Creamer is ink marked on bottom, The Pigeon Forge Pottery, Pigeon Forge Tenn. In excellent condition.
$ 15.00
Pigeon Forge Pitcher Wall Pocket-Grey/Dogwood
Pottery:Pigeon Forge
The Pigeon Forge tradition in a 4" wall pocket. Natural clay highlighted by a well painted dogwood this is the Pigeon Forge that people remember from their trips to the Smoky Mountains. One of the hottest art pottery collectibles today, this pottery was produced by Doug Ferguson and his many talented potters, painters and craftspeople for the tourist trade. The pottery opened in the 1940's and produced some of the most innovative and acclaimed glazes of the 20th Century. The pottery closed in ... (Item #RL-00152)
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Signed Pigeon Forge TN Retro Pottery Vase
browse these categories for related items...
All Items: Vintage Arts: Decorative Art: Ceramics: American: Pottery: Pre 1960: item # 333997
Please refer to our stock # 7299 when inquiring.
Click to view additional online
photographs:1-2-3-4
At Morada Ridge Antiques
2025 Presnell School Rd
Banner Elk NC 28604
828-297-7147
Guest Book
$ 22.95 /
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Bottom of Form
I commonly find old Pigeon Forge pottery pieces because I live in the area in which they were made. This vase is signed, and dates from the late 1950's or early 1960's.
This vase is thick gray clay and was hand thrown. It is a terrific retro style piece. It has a gloss black interior glaze. The exterior of the vase is very unique. It has a matt camel tan underglaze with a thick gloss black over glaze. The vertical linear designs were accomplished by scoring the top glaze to reveal the tan under glaze.
This vase is 5 1/2" tall x 2 3/4" wide at the base. The mouth is 1 7/8" wide. This vase is in excellent condition with no imperfections and is nice and clean. It is signed on the bottom, ink stamped in black, " The Pigeon Forge Pottery, Pigeon Forge Tenn " ( In one of my photos here, you will see this vase next to another unsigned Pigeon Forge Pottery retro vase that is very similar in design and glaze. This piece is also listed for sale here in my shop.)
USPS First Class Shipping and insurance for this item in the domestic US is $ 5.85. Gift wrapping is free. International buyers please contact me for your shipping rates
Greta's Place
Pigeon Forge Pottery Medium Nut Dish Signed E. Ownby
click for more pictures
$18.00 /
inquire by e-mail / Item #8760
This wheel thrown and pinched nut or candy dish was made by and is signed by Ellis Ownby who was one of the first potters employed at the Pigeon Forge Pottery.
This henna glazed dish is 5" in diameter and was a popular piece at the pottery, often combined with the smaller dish in another listing.
Pigeon Forge Pottery Candle Stick Signed P. Bennett
click for more pictures
$18.00 /
inquire by e-mail / Item #8763
A soft buttercup yellow glaze decorates this 3 1/2" tall one of a kind candle holder from P. Bennett, a potter at Pigeon Forge Pottery.
The holder is made in two pieces, turned on the wheel and attached before firing.
C: 1950-60's
History
From hunting grounds to big business
PUTTING PIGEON FORGE ON THE MAP
Pigeon Forge, Tenn.--Considering the history of Pigeon Forge, it’s highly appropriate that one of the first businesses in this East Tennessee town was a furnace and iron forge. Appropriate because of the burning desire of hardworking visionaries who forged a town from what once was wilderness. When the pieces of the Pigeon Forge history puzzle are put together, the picture is one of a highly successful business community that the city patriots could never have imagined.
Following the Revolutionary War, these city patriots, the first white settlers, began arriving in what was then a part of “The Lost State of Franklin.” A failed early statehood bid kept the area from becoming the nation’s 14th state.
The Cherokee and other eastern tribes of American Indians used the area for their hunting grounds. When the settlers arrived, the area was claimed by North Carolina’s Greene County as part of its territory. However, traders following the Great Indian War Path from Virginia took notice of the bountiful area.
The Indian highway crossed the French Broad River near Buckingham Island, and a branch of the main trail followed the West Fork of the Little Pigeon River as far as Pine Mountain, which lies to the west of Pigeon Forge.
Colonel Samuel Wear, who fought in the Revolutionary War at the Battle of Kings’ Mountain, was destined to become a leading figure in the governments of North Carolina, Sevier County and, later, the state of Tennessee. Wear built a fort at the mouth of Walden’s Creek around 1781, which remains a historical site in Pigeon Forge today.
The establishment of Sevier County, the State of Franklin, and the signing with the Cherokee of the Treaty at Dumplin Creek opened the fertile valley for settlement.
After the collapse of the State of Franklin movement in 1796, what is now Pigeon Forge was included along with all of Sevier County in the Territory South of the Ohio River, which was ceded to the federal government. The county seat was located in Sevierville, where Colonel Wear served as county court clerk. Tennessee became a state that same year.
During that time, mail was delivered twice a month from Knoxville to Sevierville. That meant that Pigeon Forge settlers had to go to Sevierville to collect mail. However, two mills had been built along the Little Pigeon River, and self-sustaining life in the small community was underway.
By 1820, Isaac Love had established and was operating a furnace and iron forge near one of these mills, across from the present-day Pigeon Forge Pottery. On May 29, 1841, a post office was established under the name Pigeon Forge.
The name Pigeon Forge is a combination of the iron works and the Little Pigeon River that flows through the town. In the 1700s and early 1800s the river’s banks were lined with beech trees. Beechnuts were a mainstay in the diet of Passenger Pigeons, which made the river a natural stopping point for huge flocks of the now-extinct species.