Is Mccoy Pottery Marked Usa?

McCoy Pottery was founded in 1848 in Roseville, Ohio by Nelson McCoy. Originally, it produced utilitarian stoneware pieces, but by the early 20th century it had transitioned to producing art pottery for home decor. McCoy utilized a variety of techniques over the years to mark their pottery pieces, including incised markings, ink stamps, paper labels, foil labels, and hang tags.

Throughout the many decades McCoy was in operation, the markings changed periodically. Understanding the different markings can help date and authenticate pieces of McCoy pottery. One distinctive marking found on some McCoy pieces is the word “USA.” Examining when and how McCoy marked their pottery “USA” provides insight into the history and collectibility of these memorable American-made ceramics.

Company History

The company that produced McCoy pottery was founded in 1910 as the Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company by J. Nelson McCoy in Roseville, Ohio (source). Located in eastern Ohio, the company utilized local clay deposits and mass production techniques to create affordable and attractive stoneware for American homes.

Under Nelson McCoy’s leadership, the company grew rapidly and embraced innovation. By the 1920s, McCoy was using assembly line production methods and electric kilns to increase efficiency and lower costs. This allowed the company to produce stylish, yet affordable, stoneware for the mass market (source).

The Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company eventually shortened its name to McCoy Pottery and became one of the largest pottery manufacturers in the United States. For most of the 20th century, McCoy pieces could be found in millions of American households.

Markings Overview

McCoy pottery pieces can be identified by various markings that evolved over the decades the company was in operation. Earlier pieces were marked with incised letters, ink stamps, or paper labels. Later pieces had more standardized stamps and markings.

Some of the earliest McCoy pottery pieces made from 1910-1925 had no markings at all. The company eventually started marking wares with incised letters, ink stamps, or paper labels indicating the company name “McCoy” or “Nelson McCoy”. According to the McCoy Pottery Collectors Society, these markings lacked standardization and changed frequently source.

Beginning in the late 1920s, McCoy began using more consistent stamp markings on the bottom of pieces. The marks evolved over the decades and included things like model numbers, capacity indicators, “USA” designations, and logos. Understanding how to identify and date these markings is key for collectors.

USA Markings

McCoy pottery pieces marked “USA” debuted in the 1950s.

The USA marking was used to denote pieces that were made in America versus abroad. According to Trademarks – McCoy Pottery Collectors Society, McCoy started using the USA mark around 1950 when there was a push for “Made in America” labels. The USA mark helped customers easily identify which pieces were American-made.

Prior to the 1950s, McCoy did not consistently mark their pottery. It was only around the 1950s that McCoy started regularly marking pieces with numbers, logos, and “USA.” The USA mark distinguished them from foreign imports as consumer interest in American-made goods grew after World War II.

Identifying USA Pieces

Many McCoy pottery pieces will have a “USA” mark stamped on the bottom, indicating that the piece was made in the United States. This is in addition to the standard McCoy maker’s mark, which is typically an impressed “McCoy” or “McCoy USA.” The presence of the separate “USA” mark is important – it signifies that the piece is an authentic American-made McCoy product.

Pieces that lack the “USA” mark were likely made overseas, predominantly in Asia. McCoy began outsourcing some production to Asia in the late 1980s as a cost-cutting measure. The imported pieces continued to bear the standard McCoy marks, but not the “USA” designation.

So when identifying authentic USA-made McCoy pottery, look for both the McCoy maker’s mark as well as the separate “USA” mark stamped on the underside or bottom of the piece. Their presence together identifies it as an original American-crafted McCoy product.

Sources:
https://mccoypotterycollectorssociety.org/mccoy-pottery/trademarks/
https://mccoypotterycollectorssociety.org/mccoy-pottery/misidentified-as-mccoy-pottery/

Collectibility

USA marked McCoy pottery pieces are highly valued by collectors due to their scarcity. Since not all McCoy pottery produced between the 1960s-1980s was marked “USA”, finding pieces with these markings is more difficult. This scarcity drives up prices on the resale market. According to the McCoy Pottery Collectors Society, “Added to those pieces there are a few pieces that have an ink stamp reading ‘McCoy’ or ‘McCoy USA’.” ¹ The limited number of authentic USA marked pieces means collectors are willing to pay premium prices at auctions and antique shops when they encounter them.

As Chairish notes, “Rarer pieces can fetch upwards of $1,000.” ² Verifying authenticity and condition are crucial for collectors to ensure maximum resale value. Well-preserved USA marked pieces in mint condition will appreciate the most over time as they become harder to find. Savvy collectors understand the appeal and exclusivity of genuine USA marked McCoy pottery.

Notable USA Lines

Some of the most popular and collectible McCoy pottery lines feature the “USA” marking indicating they were produced in the United States. Here are some key examples:

Bright Lights: Produced from the 1950s through 1980s, the Bright Lights line featured glossy glazes and stylized shapes on vases, dishes, mugs, and more. Pieces often feature abstract geometric designs and mid-century flair. Bright Lights USA marked pieces tend to have the most value.

Cookie Jars: McCoy made whimsical novelty cookie jars in the 1950s and 1960s, many marked “McCoy USA.” Some of the most popular cookie jar shapes include owls, pigs, dogs, cats, and various fruits and vegetables. Markings are usually found on the bottom.

Planters: McCoy’s garden planters came in a huge variety of shapes from simple flower pots to intricate figural pieces. Mid-century modern and traditional styles were made. “McCoy USA” markings typically appear on the bottom of planters and pots produced in the 1950s-1970s.

Stonecraft: The Stonecraft line aimed to mimic a natural stoneware look with earthy colors and rich glazes. Casual dinnerware sets as well as textured art pottery pieces were made from the 1940s-1960s. “USA” marked Stonecraft tends to be most prized by collectors.

Focusing on popular USA marked lines can help McCoy collectors identify pieces more likely to have significant value and historical interest.

Fakes and Reproductions

Many McCoy pieces have been reproduced over the years, and some fakes have been made to deceive collectors. Therefore, caution is needed when evaluating pieces marked “USA”, as these marks may have been added later to pass off fakes as authentic McCoy.

According to the McCoy Pottery Collectors Society, the best way to spot a fake is to closely examine the markings. Authentic USA markings will be crisp and clear, while later added markings often appear more crude. Fakes may also display uneven glaze around the markings.

It’s also important to look for inconsistencies in the style, mold details, color and glaze. Fakes may exhibit subtle differences from authentic McCoy pieces. Additionally, reproductions made from authentic McCoy molds can be identified by glaze and color variations.

When uncertain, it’s best to consult a knowledgeable collector or antiques professional. Proper authentication is key to avoiding costly fakes.

Preserving Value

Proper care and cleaning is important for preserving the value of your McCoy pottery pieces. Here are some tips:

For routine dusting, use a soft dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing that could scratch the surface.¹ For tougher dirt, an ammonia-water solution can be effective. Soak the piece for at least 24 hours, then use a soft cloth to gently wipe away grime.²

When cleaning, take care around any markings on the bottom or backstamp. These markings are important for identification and value. Avoid excessive rubbing or scrubbing over marked areas, as this can cause the markings to fade or become illegible over time.

Also be mindful of any cracks, chips, or repairs when cleaning. Use minimal pressure and avoid submerging cracked pieces to prevent further damage.

Proper display and storage is also important. Avoid direct sunlight which can cause colors to fade. Use felt pads on the bottom of pieces to prevent scratches. And store pieces away from high humidity or fluctuations in temperature.

With some basic care and cleaning precautions, you can help preserve the beauty and value of your McCoy pottery for many years to come.

Conclusion

McCoy pottery marked USA provides a window into classic American ceramics. Pieces marked with USA indicate they were produced domestically in the mid-1900s, when the company reached the height of its popularity and demand. McCoy pottery from this era combines innovative glazes and forms with motifs celebrating Americana, resulting in enduringly collectible works. Though abundant fakes exist, real McCoy pottery marked USA still garners interest from decorative arts enthusiasts around the world.

To learn more about identifying and collecting vintage USA-marked McCoy pottery, consult reference guides like Warman’s McCoy Pottery by Mark Frelinghuysen. You can also connect with other collectors through groups like the McCoy Pottery Collectors’ Society, who share resources and host events for those passionate about this American ceramics legacy.