Steeped in history and drenched in vibrant colorways, McCoy Pottery has risen from humble beginnings in 1899 to become a collector’s treasure trove. Each piece, crafted with meticulous attention to detail and distinctive glazes, tells a tale of American craftsmanship. But how does one navigate through the vast sea of pottery to find these hidden gems and determine the McCoy Pottery value?
Key Takeaways
Evaluating the value of McCoy pottery is determined by its rarity, demand, condition and authenticity.
Identifying marks such as evolving markings, signature colorways and glazes are essential to authenticate a piece’s worth.
Knowing common pitfalls associated with collecting McCoy Pottery is key for preserving its beauty & value.
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Evaluating McCoy Pottery Worth
McCoy pottery is of high value to collectors due to its rarity, demand, condition and authenticity. These artifacts have historically significant provenances which help increase their value in the market. From being molded out of raw clay into memorable pieces cherished by aficionados, this entire journey has made McCoy Potteries treasured items all around the world today.
Condition and Authenticity
When it comes to the value of McCoy pottery, its condition and originality have a significant role. Pieces that exhibit bright colors with an intact glaze are in high demand among collectors, these flawless pieces seem almost as if they were speaking of their story from another time! Chips or repairs can take away from this collectible item’s worthiness.
Historical Significance
The value of Nelson McCoy Pottery is grounded in its historical significance. Established by the J.W. McCoy Stoneware Company and shaped later on by founder Nelson McCoy Senior, it holds a unique place among American earthenware such as their signature sanitary stoneware line – providing an impressive legacy to reflect upon in this day and age.
Evolution of Markings
The fascinating history of McCoy pottery marks provides a captivating narrative. Through the original ‘McCoy’ and ‘Loy-Nel-Art’ markings to style numbers in 1929, then transitioning to only ‘McCoy’ during the mid 1940s – collectors can trace an interesting timeline through these changes.
Additional interest is added with George Brush’s earthenware designs featuring a distinctive basket weave pattern appearing on their markings.
Signature Colorways and Glazes
The instantly recognizable Brush McCoy Pottery with its signature colorways and glazes add value to each unique piece. The American Clay Products Company houses the renowned pottery company, continuing a long-standing demand for collectibles from this brand.
The Lancaster Colony Corporation produces one of their most coveted lines: Loy-Nel-Art, which is admired for featuring exquisite matte blended hues that mimic those in a dusk sky. All these pieces make up part of why McCoys are so highly sought after today.
The McCoy Name and Logo
The McCoy family’s name and logo serve as a marker of quality, history, and value for collectors looking through the pottery selection. It serves like an emblem or seal that guarantees its authenticity just like one from royalty would, making it easier to recognize true McCoy products amongst all options.
McCoy Pottery Series and Their Values
McCoy pottery is highly valued among collectors, as each of its series – stoneware, decorative pieces and figurative designs, tell their own story that all contribute to the esteemed legacy of McCoy. The differing themes and purposes cater to a range of tastes in what truly makes up this tapestry for aficionados.
Functional Stoneware
Collectors value functional stoneware pieces, even though these items may not be as expensive as decorative ones. The value of such products can depend on various components such as their usability, creator, age and condition.
The Most Coveted McCoy Pottery Pieces
Collectors of rare McCoy pottery cherish antique pieces for their uniqueness and attractiveness, such as vases, cookie jars or wall pockets. These McCoy works are almost like gemstones in that each has its own distinctive charm.
Vases and Urns
McCoy vases and urns are famed for their remarkable craftsmanship, with some rarer designs even featuring exclusive glazes. The art deco Giraffe vase created by Sidney Cope was the most expensive example ever sold at auction. It achieved a price of $4200 – an all-time record!
Cookie Jars and Novelty Items
Collectors adore McCoy cookie jars and other novelty items for their distinctive appeal. An illustration of this is the blue train-shaped jar from McCoy, which was sold in 2010 at a record price of $6100.
Spotting Reproductions and Fakes
A McCoy pottery aficionado, similar to a jeweler discerning between genuine and imitation gems, must train themselves to recognize authentic items and stay away from duplicates. The range of McCoy pottery is brimming with stunning creations yet reproductions still exist amongst them that need avoiding.
Key Indicators of Authenticity
Knowing the unique signs of McCoy pottery – like its distinct marks, signature colors and glazes, can serve as a guide for distinguishing original items from replicas. Thus, by familiarizing yourself with these particular features of McCoy’s products, you’ll be able to navigate the expansive world of McCoy’s wares effectively.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
For McCoy pottery collectors, it is essential to take precautions as mistakes can be costly. Beginners should avoid mislabeling pieces and being deceived by replicas while paying attention not to miss out on rare items of the beloved brand.
Preserving Your McCoy Pottery Collection
Taking proper care of your McCoy pottery collection is essential, just like caring for a beloved family heirloom. Not only will this preserve its beauty, but it will also keep its value intact so that future generations may appreciate the collectible pieces you have amassed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you identify vintage McCoy pottery?
The best way to determine if pottery is vintage McCoy is by checking for signature marks which are usually composed of two letters overlapping: N and M or C and M. There may also be an inscription on pitcher handles or at the base of other pieces that reads J.W. McCoy – indicating this was made by the company’s founder himself.
What is rare pottery to look out for?
Pay special attention to unusual pottery pieces with one-of-a-kind designs that have shimmering gold ornamentations, as well as marks from renowned ceramists or brands like Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Royal Worcester and Meissen. Such objects used by famous factories such as Minton also possess a great deal of value. Look out for these distinctive patterns and signature stamps when perusing rare antique pottery!
Are McCoy cookie jars worth money?
McCoy cookie jars are quite valuable, with some fetching up to thousands of dollars in price while others can still be purchased for less than one hundred dollars. It is worth noting that these particular pieces carry a hefty cost tag!
What year is McCoy pottery?
The McCoy Pottery Company began manufacturing its unique pieces in 1899 and changed names to the Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Corporation ten years later. The company, owned by the namesake family until 1991 when it ceased production, produced stoneware under both monikers – with only minor variations between them such as ‘Nelson’ added for distinction.
