So you are a fan of McCoy pottery and would like to expand or sell your collection? 

Here is what you need to know...

1. Do your research!

Seems simple, right?  Not exactly.  Did you know that the Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company began in 1910 in Roseville, OH? The company operated for over 50 years until it was sold in the mid 1960's, again in the 1970's then production stopped in 1990.  Since the company produced pottery for that length of time, you can imagine the seemingly endless variations in design, theme, materials, etc, with each line.  With this company, there was not a simple single-style mold that was produced for years.  The pottery lines reflected the relative era, societal influences, politics, & current events of the time in which it was created. Even a single artist employed by the company could impart his/her vision and ability to create an almost one of a kind piece.  And that is not to mention the many factory flaws that naturally occured over the many years!  Therefore, researching a piece's history (if not age-range alone) is key.  The internet is the obvious choice for this, and is certainly up-to-date, as well as most comprehensive.  If you are more "hands-on," or need a good book for your antiquing travels...I recommend: Warman's McCoy Pottery: Identification & Price Guide by Mark F. Moran.  Or... McCoy Pottery: A Warman's Companion. by Mark F Moran.

2.  Be Fair & Honest in your Buying/Selling Transactions!

Maybe this seems elementary, but my experience has shown otherwise. As described above, variances in the pottery's production combined with its' sheer age, make McCoys highly collectible. As with any highly-desired product, reproductions occur.  Be weary of reproductions or "fake" McCoys. 

Here are some tips for flushing out the "fakes":

• Watch the size of the piece.  Often Reproductions are slightly smaller than original.

• The piece should not look "too good' or "too new." These are old pieces no matter how carefully they were maintained and will appear that way.

• Highest valued originals have brought the greatest # of fakes. If the original is valued over $300 be especially leary.  Examples are the highly collectible "Indian Head" or "Mammy" cookie jars, both have many fakes for sale on eBay and other at antique venues.

• How does it feel? McCoys are typically weighty and feel very different than some of the newer, less quality planters manufactured today.

• Watch for tricky wording. Sometimes sellers will state that a piece "says McCoy on the bottom" which can sometimes translate to "but I am not sure or doubt it is authentic"

• Watch for correct marking corresponding to the piece.  McCoys have many markings over the years, McCoy, NM USA, etc. Make sure the piece is accurately marked. Note: some markings are not on the bottom at all, but on the side, etc. Some pieces are unmarked or have been partially glazed over. Know what marking (or lack of marking) is expected per a piece.

• Ask about the piece's background.  Where obtained, etc. My father collected McCoys over 30 years ago, before reproductions were created or in vogue.

• Take note of the design details.  Back to researching...you will find that McCoy did not make certain designs. An example is the "Sprinkler Frog" that is a reproduction piece. McCoy made a Frog planter, but not one with a handle & sprinkler detail. However, McCoy did make a "Sprinkler Turtle"...and so on...

Savvy buyers can get great bargains and still be fair in their purchase price. Just as sellers should not price gauge, or sell reproductions...buyers should be willing to pay near fair market price for their find. This is what is meant by fair & honest transactions.  Happy Shopping!

3. Set Shipping Expectations High!

Buyers and sellers alike should take note! McCoy pottery is often fragile & quite old.  The pieces should be treated with great care when handled, packaged, and shipped.  Ideally, that means the following...

Each piece should be...

• Handwrapped in tissue paper or brown paper first, if possible. Newspaper is not an option due to the potential ink transfer to the piece's glaze. (With the exception of "end-roll" unprinted newspaper)

• Next, the piece should be handwrapped in bubble-wrap or air-fill wrap.

• Then, a first-quality, structurally intact, size-appropriate box should be selected.

• The piece should be cushioned with loose fill packing peanuts or better still biodegradable materials where available. 

• Packaging tape must be used to secure the box. Alternative tapes should not be used.

• If Possible, each box should be red-marked "FRAGILE" prior to shipment.

If you are purchasing McCoy pottery from any website, inquire about their packaging/shipping techniques. Your purchase is an investment and should be safeguarded.

McCoy pottery often brings its' owner a laugh, smile, or fond memory.  A bit of Americana exists within each piece. I hope this guide enhances your McCoy buying/selling experience on eBay and at antique shows.  Have a terrific Summer!  Happy Shopping!

~Suzieq1026

Owner of Suzie's Boutique & Dad's Antiques, an eBay Store.