help identify this pottery mark please - this is Toby Stafford's mark !!

I have done that, hopefully in a way that won't be taken badly - always a risk.

Mumof1 - Would you be able to ask Peter if he has an image of that early mark on a pot, rather than just the sketch we have to go on currently? It might clear up a few more unidentified marks that are about. Do you think he would be able to help?

I tried, but it seems the one in the book is fairly accurate. Peter replied:

Sorry don't have any graphic of that mark except the one in the book. It was just an impressed stamp of an asterisk, bit like a flower too, with round knobs on each of the 6 arms, rather than the lines on this one. (the serif)
See you
Peter L

A lovely Shino Mug with fish tail like handle..by same mystery potter
Mug has same Serif type mark to base

Thanks Kat. I find it interesting that Peter doesn't know who the mark belongs to, as he is one of the people involved with the NZ Potters Marks site at NZ Potters.

I bought a piece of this potters work new in the late 80s from the Quarry Co-op. So they were here or involved with the NCT(northland Craft Trust) at that time..when Yvonne was here.

That is an excellent lead Kat and one that I hope reveals who this excellent potter is one day.

Could this be the Peter Lange mark perhaps? http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=780428714 I would venture to say it is

Aha! So that's why I put it on my watchlist..... I knew there was a reason and was going back to it to work it out, but you did it for me and I totally agree with you sunny

Well this listing by ham22 says that this mark was made by Toby Stafford and really it all makes sense doesn't it.  Grrrrrr that I didn't get that gorgeous salt glaze huge vase for $20 as I didn't recognise the mark !!  I love those whale tail handle ends

http://www.trademe.co.nz/a.aspx?id=991361843

Toby now gets his own Forum.  Love his work!

That so looks like his work, I have asked a potter friend who knew Toby to look at this, as we were discussing this mark yesterday & she said he used a stamped mark as well.