McCoy Pottery

McCoy pottery is one of the most recognized names in American pottery. Originally called J. W. McCoy Pottery, it was established by James W. McCoy in 1899.

Learn more about McCoy Pottery

In 1910, J.C. McCoy and his son Nelson created the Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company. Most of the products they created in the beginning were functional pieces, but later artisans focused their attention on producing umbrella stands, vases, jardinières, pedestals, and other decorative pieces. McCoy Pottery was owned and operated by four generations of McCoys until 1967. The company was first sold to the Mount Clemens Pottery Company, then sold again in 1974 to the Lancaster Colony Corporation until they ceased operation in 1990.

McCoy design developed over the 20th century. Mont Pelee was the earliest art ware, marking the volcanic eruption in St. Pierre, Martinique, with its dull-black lava-type pottery. In 1908, James W. McCoy introduced its most popular art pottery line Loy-Nel-Art, which was a decorated, standard glaze pottery similar to Roseville Rozane and Weller Louwelsa. During the late 1920s and early 1930s, when Walter Bauer was the head designer, McCoy's pottery pieces were primarily of the leaf and berry theme with blended brown and green glazes. The company also created similar pieces in solid green for the general public.

Pottery was marked with an impressed “McCoy” and, for its line an “Loy-Nel-Art” impression. Later pottery was not marked as often. It is important to note the separate branch called “Brush-McCoy Pottery Company” that began in 1911. With the assistance of George S. Brush, this new company brought designs from Owens to create a matte green and white Navarre line, the Venetian, Basket Weave and Green Woodland. Its Sylvan line, debuting in 1915, was the inspiration for the Weller Forest ware with its line of trees in a relief style.

McCoy pottery was established by James W. McCoy in 1899 and was owned and operated by four generations of McCoys until 1967. Creating first functional pieces, later designers such as Walter Bauer and Geroge S. Brush focused their attention on producing umbrella stands, vases, jardinières, and pedestals, and other decorative pieces. Under new ownership, McCoy Pottery continued operations of art ware until 1990.

While the McCoy and Brush-McCoy designs developed over the 20th century, artisans seemed ever-focused on nature. The first art ware, Mont Pelee, was inspired by the volcanic eruption in St. Pierre, Martinique, while the floral Loy-Nel-Art (similar to Roseville Rozane and Weller Louwelsa) was the most known line. Late McCoy pottery pieces were primarily of the leaf and berry theme with blended brown and green glazes, and most later pottery was not marked. On the Brush-McCoy side, popular lines included a matte green and white Navarre line and the woodsy Sylvan line, which then inspired Weller's Forest ware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, McCoy pottery holds significant value among collectors, particularly vintage and antique pieces from the early 20th century. Factors influencing value include condition, rarity, glaze color, and the desirability of specific shapes, such as jardinieres, vases, and planters. Limited edition glazes, like matte blue or rare blends, tend to fetch higher prices.

To identify McCoy pottery, look for distinctive features such as embossed or impressed 'McCoy' or 'USA' marks on the base. Common hallmarks include naturalistic motifs like berries, leaves, and basketweave designs. Authentic pieces often exhibit minor factory flaws, consistent with mass production, without detracting from their collectible charm. Reference style guides to cross-check shapes and glaze finishes.

McCoy pottery stands out due to its iconic mid-century and Art Deco designs, coupled with nature-inspired motifs and rich, semi-matte glazes. Collectors prize original condition pieces with no repairs or cracks. Additionally, some early 1930s pieces, like the 'Leaves and Berries' blue and purple vases, are sought after for their unique hues and craftsmanship.

Authentic McCoy ceramics vintage pieces typically feature well-defined maker’s marks or subtle design inconsistencies due to vintage production processes. Be wary of overly perfect finishes or recent reproductions with crisp, modern markings. True vintage McCoy pottery planters and vases often have aged crazing or subtle factory blemishes, which are normal.

Not all McCoy USA pottery pieces are marked, particularly earlier or more decorative items like jardinieres and hanging planters. Some pieces have faint or partial markings, while others bear only 'USA' or manufacturer-related stamps. When unmarked, identifying features such as glaze finish, design style, and dimensions help verify authenticity.