If you are a collector of antique pottery, then you know how exciting it can be to add a new piece to your collection. One of the most popular types of antique pottery is McCoy Pottery. McCoy Pottery originated in the United States in the early 20th century and was produced until the late 1990s. The pottery is known for its unique designs and beautiful colors. However, with so many fake McCoy Pottery pieces on the market, it can be challenging to identify genuine McCoy Pottery. In this article, we will discuss how to identify McCoy Pottery.
1. Look for the McCoy Mark
The first step in identifying McCoy Pottery is to look for the McCoy mark. McCoy Pottery has a distinct mark that was used throughout the company's history. The mark features the words "McCoy USA" or "McCoy," along with a symbol of a vase or a shield. The mark is typically located on the bottom of the pottery piece.
2. Check the Quality of the Pottery
One of the easiest ways to identify McCoy Pottery is by checking the quality of the pottery. McCoy Pottery is known for its high-quality clay and glaze. The pottery should be smooth to the touch, without any bumps or rough spots. The glaze should be even and glossy, without any cracks or chips. The colors of McCoy Pottery are also distinctive. The pottery is known for its earthy tones, such as browns, greens, and blues.
3. Look for Unique Designs
McCoy Pottery is known for its unique designs. The pottery is often decorated with raised designs, such as flowers or leaves. The designs are typically painted in a contrasting color to the pottery. Some of the most popular designs of McCoy Pottery include the "Blossom Time" design, which features a raised floral design, and the "Blue Willow" design, which features a blue and white Chinese-inspired design.
4. Check the Age of the Pottery
The age of the McCoy Pottery can also help you identify whether it is genuine or fake. McCoy Pottery was produced from the early 1900s until the late 1990s. The older pieces of McCoy Pottery are typically more valuable and sought after by collectors. If you are unsure about the age of the pottery, you can look for clues, such as the style of the mark or the design of the pottery.
5. Look for Imperfections
McCoy Pottery was produced by hand, which means that there may be some imperfections in the pottery. Look for slight variations in the glaze or small imperfections in the design. These imperfections are a sign that the pottery was produced by hand, which is a hallmark of McCoy Pottery.
6. Compare the Pottery to Reference Books
If you are still unsure about whether your pottery is genuine McCoy Pottery, you can compare it to reference books. There are many books available on the market that provide information on McCoy Pottery. These books typically include detailed photographs and descriptions of the pottery. By comparing your pottery to the photographs in the reference book, you can determine whether it is genuine or fake.
Identifying McCoy Pottery can be challenging, but by following the tips in this article, you can become an expert in identifying authentic McCoy Pottery. Remember to look for the McCoy mark, check the quality of the pottery, look for unique designs, check the age of the pottery, look for imperfections, and compare the pottery to reference books. With a little practice, you will be able to identify genuine McCoy Pottery with ease.