Northern Block Polished ware (NBPW) was found in the Ganges valley and in parts of south India. It was produced at the height of the Iron Age, ca. 6th to 2nd century B.C.. Disagreement over the cause of its color and luster resulted in a re-examination using sherds from Vaddamanu in the Guntur District. After ultrasonic cleaning, slip and body were chemically separated, powdered, then subjected to spectral scanning. Major constituents were analysed gravimetrically and volumetrically and trace elements by AAS. SRD analysis analysis was used to find the cause of the black surface gloss. Thermal analysis was carried out. Results are given. Analysis of pottery can aid in its conservation.