McCoy pottery, a beloved name in American ceramics, holds a special place in the hearts of collectors and pottery enthusiasts. From its humble beginnings in Roseville, Ohio, to its status as a household name, McCoy Pottery has left an indelible mark on the world of collectible pottery. Characterized by its distinctive designs, vibrant glazes, and high-quality craftsmanship, McCoy pottery offers a diverse range of pieces that appeal to a wide array of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a novice admirer, understanding the history, characteristics, and collectibility of McCoy pottery can enhance your appreciation for this iconic American art form.
The Origins and Evolution of McCoy Pottery
The story of McCoy pottery begins in the late 19th century with J.W. McCoy, who was born in Putnam, Ohio, in 1848. After several ventures in the pottery business, including partnerships and sales to other companies like Roseville Pottery, J.W. McCoy played a pivotal role in establishing the Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company in 1910, alongside his son Nelson McCoy Sr. Located in Roseville, Ohio, the company initially focused on producing utilitarian stoneware items such as jars, jugs, and crocks. The location was strategically chosen due to the abundance of clay and a land donation from the city, which helped ensure the company’s early success. In 1918, the company joined the American Clay Products Company (ACPC), but later re-established its independence in 1926, changing its name to Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company by 1929. As consumer tastes evolved, the company shifted its focus from utilitarian wares to decorative pieces in 1933, marking a significant turning point and leading to another name change to Nelson McCoy Pottery Co. For over five decades, the McCoy family steered the company until it was sold in 1967 to the owners of Mt. Clemens Pottery Co. Subsequent sales to the Lancaster Colony Corporation in 1974 and Designer Accents in 1985 marked further transitions before the company ceased operations in 1990. Despite its closure, the McCoy legacy endures, with its pottery remaining highly collectible and sought after by enthusiasts worldwide.
Identifying Characteristics and Popular Designs
McCoy pottery is celebrated for its diverse range of styles, colors, and glazes, which reflect the evolving trends and fashions of its time. Collectors often seek out McCoy pieces for their attention to detail, distinctive glazes, and unique shapes, from whimsical cookie jars to elegant vases. One of the key features of McCoy pottery is its vibrant glazes, which include drip, crackle, and matte finishes. The company utilized a broad spectrum of colors, from pastel yellows, greens, pinks, and turquoises to earthy tones of brown and green. Popular styles include the drip glaze, creating a flowing, melted effect, and speckled glazes that add texture and depth. Some pieces also feature hand-painted or airbrushed finishes, enhancing their artisanal appeal. Common McCoy pottery items include vases, planters, cookie jars, and pitchers, with patterns ranging from simple designs to intricate motifs. If you’re interested in learning more about glaze, you can check out this article on how to glaze pottery for beginners.
To identify authentic McCoy pottery, collectors look for stamped, embossed, or incised marks on the bottom of the pieces, which may include the company name, logo, or both. The marks often feature an overlapping “N” and “M” for Nelson McCoy, or an overlapping “M” and “C”. The quality of the craftsmanship is another important factor, with authentic McCoy pieces exhibiting smooth edges, even glaze coverage, and a sturdy feel due to the high-quality stoneware used. If you are interested in learning how to sell your own pottery, consider looking into selling pottery online.
Navigating the McCoy Pottery Market: Value, Rarity, and Authenticity
The McCoy pottery market is driven by factors such as rarity, demand, condition, and authenticity. Collectors highly value pieces in excellent condition with bright colors and intact glazes, as these items appear to tell their story from another time. Rare or limited-edition items, such as those from short production runs or with unusual designs, tend to fetch higher prices. Some of the most valuable McCoy pieces include vases, cookie jars, and wall pockets, with certain designs and glazes being particularly sought after. The art deco Giraffe vase created by Sidney Cope is one such example, having sold at auction for $4200, marking an all-time record. Similarly, a blue train-shaped cookie jar from McCoy sold for $6100 in 2010, demonstrating the high value placed on unique and rare items.
To distinguish authentic McCoy pieces from reproductions or forgeries, collectors should familiarize themselves with the company’s evolving markings and signature colorways.
McCoy pottery marks evolved over time, from the original “McCoy” and “Loy-Nel-Art” markings to style numbers in 1929, and then transitioning to only “McCoy” during the mid-1940s. George Brush’s earthenware designs, featuring a distinctive basket weave pattern on their markings, also add value to unique pieces. However, collectors should also be aware of the presence of fakes and reproductions in the market. Fakes are pieces marked as “McCoy” but never made by the Nelson McCoy Pottery, while reproductions are pieces that the company did originally make but are now being produced again. Reproductions are typically smaller than the original pieces due to the shrinkage of clay during the molding and firing processes. By carefully examining the markings, size, color, and craftsmanship of a piece, collectors can increase their chances of acquiring authentic and valuable McCoy pottery.
