How to Recognize the Real McCoy

McCoy is a type of colorful American pottery that was made in Ohio from 1910 until the late 1990s. Its popularity has spawned a number of knockoffs. Here's how to tell if you're buying the real McCoy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Check the bottom of the piece for a special McCoy marking: Early pieces feature a shield with a number inside a circle; pieces made during the 1940s have an overlapped N and M; those in later production show McCoy USA. And don't fret if there is no mark--it may still be McCoy.

2. Compare the size. Copies are made by creating a mold from an authentic McCoy. When fired, ceramic shrinks, so an imposter is smaller than an original piece. Reference books on McCoy pottery will often include dimensions of the originals.

3. Examine the raised designs that decorate the pottery. Copies won't have the same sharpness of detail as original McCoys. They also tend to weigh less. Get to know what true McCoy looks and feels like by finding a dealer who specializes in pottery.

4. Visit sites like McCoy Pottery Online (mccoypottery.com) and Mostly McCoy (mostlymccoy.com) for the latest news.

Tips & Warnings

• McCoy is one collectible where you can still stumble across a treasure. A $20 garage-sale vase could fetch thousands at auction.
• Just because a piece is old doesn't necessarily mean it carries greater value. Rarity and condition play a major role. A flowerpot can go for $25, while a rare tugboat cookie jar is worth $5,000.

[Saimon]

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on 11/22/2005 Only buy what you love, and at prices that you are willing to pay. There is no guarantee that the item is actually worth more at auction.