The History of Decker German Pottery

Decker Pottery is named for Charles Frederick Decker--or Deiker--who was born in Germany in 1832 and immigrated to Philadelphia in his late teens, where he started the Keystone Pottery at age 25. He was a professional craftsman and master potter.

Southbound

Decker eventually moved to Tennessee in 1872 and set up Keystone Pottery, near Johnson City, and had 25 employees, including his sons, who he had trained as potters. Decker made everyday items, such as crocks, jugs and churns, and even pitchers, flower pots and lawn ornaments, but he also created unusual pieces.

Versatility and Style

Decker's more unusual pieces included grave markers, and a hunting horn that was almost 7 pounds, which produced an anguished foghorn sound. Decker's masterpiece, however, is an urn, created in 1884, that is 26 inches tall. It is on display in its permanent home at the Reece Museum at East Tennessee State University.

No Logo

Decker didn't use any identifying stamps or logos in any of his work. Only special pieces, such as his masterpiece urn, were impressed with letters. Decker also scratched his signature into other pieces, with a sharp instrument.

References

• Southern Pottery: The Decker Pottery
• Southern Pottery: The Keystone Pottery