Before I move on to the next section of McCoy Pottery, I want to take a moment to thank you for your kind words on the anniversary of my mother’s passing yesterday. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. It was an emotional day, with tears and memories and conversations with my husband, my sister, and my father. In the middle of the afternoon, Don took me out and we walked around some antique shops and had some of our favorite donuts. That helped a little. As did your words of sympathy.
Back to the McCoy. There’s a bit more to share with you from the kitchen. And an interesting McCoy ‘mistake.’ Let’s start with two questionable finds:
This vase sits on top of the cupboards. I’ve never seen it in any McCoy reference book (that in itself doesn’t mean anything – plenty of pieces are not in those books) but I have seen it being offered for sale for years as ‘unmarked McCoy.’ There seems to be some sort of consensus that it’s McCoy. It has the USA mark on the bottom. Some McCoy had only the USA mark. For some reason, I couldn’t get a very good picture of it, the glaze looks more uneven than it is. It matches the standard yellow McCoy glaze. I’m going to assume it’s McCoy.
But it might be something else.
This one. I love it, it looked an awful lot like a McCoy design, but it turns out it’s slightly different. It’s not McCoy. Maybe Shawnee? Maybe Haeger? Nevertheless, I love it and it lives with its McCoy friends on top of the cupboards, where it seems to fit right in.
These, I assure you, are McCoy.
On the left: I bought this one early on in my collecting days. More modern in look, the style and the chartreuse color sold me. It’s from the 1950s. (I wasn’t happy with the individual photo of this piece, so I’m going to stick with this shot.)
This is the peacock vase. I think it’s gorgeous. The design is on both sides of the vase.
It’s from 1948.
I’m not usually a fan of the dark green glaze McCoy used, but I fell in love with this vase many years ago. I love the vaguely Art Deco design; the handles, the flowers and stems which seem to be blowing in the wind that are on the front of the vase. It’s called the Modern Vase in one of my books. I’ve seen it since I purchased it in other colors as well. It’s from 1951.
This is a McCoy wall pocket, in the form of a cuckoo clock. It was made in a few different color combinations, with both standard numbers and roman numerals. Because it was a wall pocket, it was easily damaged. If this was in pristine condition, it would be worth over $100. But it’s damaged. You can see where the top right edge has been glued together. A nicely done repair. And the little bird has a chip on the edge of his left wing. I probably wouldn’t have seriously considered buying this, but my friend Heidi was out shopping for her now-defunct shop and saw it. She called me on the phone and talked me into it and I’m happy she did. We’ve come to love it. It lives on the side of one of the kitchen cupboards, right by the sink. From the mid-1950s.
More McCoy – from upstairs – on Monday.
I leave again for Hartford this evening and have another all day long rehearsal tomorrow. I won’t get back until 9 or 10 Sunday night. I’m happy for the work, but it’s tiring, this driving back and forth. I’m used to staying there and not having to commute.
Happy Saturday.
Good Morning Claudia, I have learned so much more about McCoy from you. I loved the cuckoo wall pocket. I think I love it all! Have a good day. Doris
Thank you so much, Doris. Have a wonderful day!
I am so in love with the glazes on McCoy. The peacock vase is stunning in style and color. I am enjoying your series so very much. I hope your day of work is a good one. Commuting is hard.
hugs,
Linda
It is, Linda. Long drive, long days!
Your peacock vase is stunning! In my searching earlier, I did notice that Haeger pottery is very similar to McCoy. And slightly cheaper, but not as elaborate. It’s all quite beautiful no matter it’s pedigree. Safe travels! ;)
I agree. Whatever its maker, I really love it, Donnamae.
Your McCoy collection is priceless and wonderful. I really didn’t expect to see so many pieces. All I can say is WOW…love it all those that aren’t McCoy too!
Have a nice time in Hartford this weekend, and don’t work too hard..
There’s even more coming, but we’ll wind down with the next installment, Bonnie.
Forgot to tell you yesterday – LOVED the photos of you with your family. What a cute little girl you were, and how darling your Mom dressed you! My Mom always said that was one of the nicest things about having a little girl – they’re so much fun for a Momma to dress and play with – her very own live baby doll. Then Mom would always mention how her little boys would be so proud to bring worms and bugs in the house all the time to show her – LOL. Mom said girls were easier when they were little, and boys were easier when they were older… :>)
There was period where my hair was in ringlets, almost banana curls, quite often. And there would be a big bow in my hair. Whether my mother or grandmother was behind it, I’m not sure. But there are several photos where I’ve clearly been told to pose with my curls and bow facing the camera!
Claudia, Be safe on your trip. I love the vases you have shown today. I thought that dark green looked art deco too. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
I think that’s why I like it so much, Susie. Thanks!
Safe commute, Claudia. Put on some favorite music to help ease the drive. Love the cuckoo clock wall pocket. I espied a small pottery box at my Mom’s house the other day. It doesn’t have a mark on the bottom, but USA is on the side at the bottom. It has been in the family for as long as I remember, but I’ve always taken it for granted. With your McCoy series, I look at pottery differently now! I’ll do a little research and see what I can find, but first, ask my Mom!
It’s fun to do the research, Wendy. Sort of like being a detective!
I like the cuckoo wall pocket too..McCoy did so many wonderful pottery styles..Be safe on your trip to Hartford and back..Hopefully you have good weather..
It’s sunny and coolish but very pretty.
Love the cuckoo wall pocket. I’ve never seen one of those, so cute. I’m going to be on the lookout for one of those. I enjoy a little yellow pottery too for variety, very pretty. I love all your pieces. You have a wonderful collection!
Love that cuckoo wall pocket – damaged or not, it is beautiful.
Travel safe my friend.
Judy
Thank you, Judy!
Saw three pieces marked as McCoy in a store today. Two cream color an cant remember the third. None had any kind of mark on the bottom? Wishful thinking? How does one know?
Some pieces weren’t marked. But the only way to know is to do your research – check out one of the several books that have been published about McCoy.
These are certainly pretty!
Can I say it enough? I like the yellow–
These are wonderful together and the little Charteuse vase is a beauty; as is the wall pocket.
I bought a little wall pocket today…NOT McCoy… but nostalgically sweet.
Be safe on your drive Claudia–
see you when you return.
Thank you, Pat!
That does sound like an exhausting commute.
Maybe the sweet little bluebird can give you some tips on flying through it all!
Be well!
If only we could snap our fingers and transport ourselves!
This group is gorgeous !