Question on McCoy and Hull pottery vases

This may sound like a silly question, but weren't all pieces of MCM pottery vases by McCoy, Hull and other famous pottery companies marked? I see quite a few unmarked pieces claiming to be well known pottery makers works. How would you know for sure? I would greatly appreciate your help so I can understand and know what to look for. I'm wanting to learn....

Thanks,
Crystal

 

Hi. No unfortunately they weren't all marked and some just have a number but no maker names. Books are a big help if you are interested in pottery for the longer term. A lot of info can be found on-line. A google search with the description of the vase (and looking at the image results) or even a search by image (you upload an image of what you have) sometimes get you the info. If you suspect a maker, add that to the search also. eBay also will often have a lot of listings that you can look through (starting with a description or suspected makers name).

Posting images here will also get a lot of eyes on them quickly, and often one of us will be able to help you.

Hope this helps! Cheers -Joe

 

Thank you so much Joe, for your wonderful descriptive help! I will upload a piece that I have. My ex picked it up at a yard sale 15 (ish) years ago and although I loved the design, the color, a light blue-gray didn't go with anything in my home so it sat in my attic. I just bought a craftsman 1912 home to take care of my Mom so she could live out the rest of her life in the beauty of the beautiful old woodwork and built-ins, so I found it again. That was a long explanation wasn't it?!

 

Actually in the case of Roseville Pottery a lot of their earlier and better lines had paper labels only which were often lost to time. That goes with a lot of McCoy too, much of their earlier work was unmarked. I think the suggestion to get some reference books is a good one, perhaps you have a Half Price Books in your area - I've bulked up my antique & collectables reference library there over the past several years. There is so much great art pottery in Ohio.

 

Ohio does have some great pottery, I'm in NW Ohio, but a very small town. With taking care of Mom 24/7 and expenses for that, I can't really afford to buy books. I greatly appreciate everyone willing to help me.