McCoy pottery, particularly pieces featuring the iconic pink and blue stripe design, are highly sought-after by collectors. This distinctive pattern, with its vibrant colors and mid-century modern aesthetic, represents a significant piece of American pottery history. This guide will delve into the history, identification, and value of McCoy pottery featuring this popular design.
What Makes McCoy Pottery Pink and Blue Stripe So Desirable?
The enduring appeal of McCoy pottery's pink and blue stripe pieces stems from several factors. The combination of colors is cheerful and nostalgic, evoking feelings of simpler times and classic American design. The clean lines and simple patterns are remarkably versatile, fitting seamlessly into both modern and vintage-inspired interiors. Furthermore, the relative scarcity of some pieces, particularly those in excellent condition, drives collector interest and increases their value. Finally, the history of McCoy pottery itself adds to the intrigue, offering a connection to a significant period in American manufacturing.
Identifying Authentic McCoy Pottery with Pink and Blue Stripes
Distinguishing genuine McCoy pottery from reproductions or imitations requires careful observation. Several key features can help in authentication:
- Markings: Look for the McCoy pottery mark, which often includes the company name or a variation thereof. The mark's style evolved over time, so researching different eras of McCoy production can be helpful.
- Glaze: The glaze on authentic McCoy pieces typically has a specific texture and sheen. Replications often fall short in replicating this quality.
- Shape and Form: McCoy pottery pieces, even within the same pattern, exhibit slight variations in shape and form that add to their charm. Perfect uniformity can be a sign of a reproduction.
- Condition: Chips, cracks, or significant wear can affect a piece's value. However, even pieces with minor imperfections can still hold collector value.
What are some popular McCoy pottery Pink and Blue Stripe pieces?
While the pink and blue stripe pattern appeared on a variety of McCoy pieces, some are more popular among collectors than others. These include:
- Planters: Various sizes and shapes of planters featured the pink and blue stripe, from small bud vases to larger floor planters.
- Bowls: Serving bowls, mixing bowls, and other types of bowls were frequently produced with this design.
- Ashtrays: Small, decorative ashtrays are a common find, and represent good entry points for newer collectors.
- Jugs and Pitchers: These are less common, thus increasing their value to dedicated collectors.
How Much is McCoy Pottery Pink and Blue Stripe Worth?
The value of McCoy pottery with the pink and blue stripe design can vary widely depending on several factors:
- Rarity: Some pieces are more rare than others, impacting their value significantly.
- Condition: The condition of the piece greatly influences its value. Mint condition pieces will command a higher price than those with chips or cracks.
- Piece type: Certain shapes and sizes are more desirable than others.
- Market trends: The collector market fluctuates, impacting prices over time.
For a more precise valuation, consulting with an appraiser specializing in vintage pottery is recommended. Online auction sites and forums dedicated to McCoy pottery collectors can also provide valuable insights into current market prices.
Where Can I Find McCoy Pottery Pink and Blue Stripe?
McCoy pottery can be found in various places:
- Antique Shops and Flea Markets: These are excellent places to discover hidden treasures and negotiate prices.
- Online Auction Sites: Websites like eBay often feature McCoy pottery listings, allowing for broader reach and competitive bidding.
- Online Forums and Collector Groups: Connecting with other collectors can lead to opportunities to buy, sell, or simply learn more about McCoy pottery.
Remember to always carefully inspect any piece before purchasing to ensure authenticity and assess its condition.
Is my McCoy Pottery Pink and Blue Stripe a Vintage Piece?
Determining the vintage status of your piece involves examining the markings, glaze, and overall style. McCoy pottery production spanned many decades, with variations in style and markings across different periods. Researching specific McCoy markings and patterns can help determine the approximate age of your piece. Remember that even if not strictly "vintage" (generally defined as at least 20 years old), many McCoy pieces hold collectible value.
What is the history of the McCoy Pottery Company?
The McCoy Pottery Company was a significant player in the American pottery industry for much of the 20th century. Founded in Ohio, McCoy produced a diverse range of pottery items, becoming known for its innovative designs and affordable prices. The company's history reflects the changing tastes and trends of American consumers over several decades. Researching the company's history can add to the appreciation of owning a piece of McCoy pottery.
By understanding the history, characteristics, and value of McCoy pottery with the pink and blue stripe pattern, collectors can better appreciate and care for these charming pieces of American pottery history. Remember that careful research and due diligence are crucial when acquiring these collectible items.
