French Country · Encyclopedia · Tableware, Kitchen and Decorative Objects
Antique Pitcher
Water and milk pitchers in pottery, ironstone, pewter and glass.
Pottery & Stoneware · Indicative US retail $30–$800
At a glance
- Family: Pottery & Stoneware
- Periods most often found: Most date from 1850 to 1950.
- Typical price: about $120; range $30 to $800 and more for exceptional pieces
- What drives value: Material, maker
What it is
Pitchers (pichets, brocs, cruches, aiguières) served water, milk, wine and cider at the table and in the bedroom. French faience pitchers from Quimper, Gien, Malicorne and Desvres, Normandy stoneware cider pitchers, pewter brocs, Provençal glazed earthenware, ironstone bedroom jugs with matching basins and Art Deco glass pitchers are typical; Jacquot jugs shaped as figures are a French faience specialty.
How to identify and date it
Look for marks under the base; check the spout and handle for chips and repairs and the body for hairline cracks (tap gently). Matching basin-and-pitcher sets are worth more than pitchers alone.
Look for stamped marks; French faience pitchers and stoneware jugs are popular.
Periods and styles
Most date from 1850 to 1950.
How much is it worth?
On the US retail market, most antique pitcher examples ask around $120. Simple or worn pieces start near $30, while documented, signed or exceptional examples can pass $800. The main value drivers are: material, maker. These are indicative ranges, not an appraisal; see our price guide for French antiques for the method.
Questions buyers ask: antique wash basin and pitcher with stand value; pewter pitcher value; antique pitchers value; antique glass pitchers value. The answer depends on the points below, which are worth checking before you compare prices.
Before you buy
- Check spout and handle
- Read marks
- Tap for cracks
Living with it
A pitcher of garden flowers on a farm table is the essence of French country.
How we write these guides: identification notes are general guidance written by French Country; a style name, a region or a resemblance does not by itself date or attribute a piece. Price ranges are indicative US retail asking prices for antique and vintage examples in sound condition (dealers, specialist marketplaces and auctions), estimated and rounded as of November 2026; check recent sold results before relying on a figure. They are not appraisals or offers to buy or sell: condition, provenance and documentation can move a value far outside the range. For insurance, estates or sales, ask an independent, qualified appraiser for a written valuation.