How to Recognize Authentic Hull Pottery

Hull pottery is a popular collectors item, often imitated. Recognizing genuine pieces of hull pottery is as simple as knowing what marks and finish details to look for. The ability to spot a fake will save time and money and give the assurance of purchasing authentic Hull pottery. Read below for a checklist for all those considering collecting or already enjoying the vast array of Hull pottery on the market.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Know that Hull pottery has two sets of markings: pre-1950 and post-1950. The pre-1950 pieces are marked: "HULL USA" AND "HULL ART USA" and may have a paper label as well. Post-1950 pieces are marked: "HULL" in large script or block lettering.
2. Understand that every pattern in the Hull collection has a different item number. For example, willow pattern would be marked with a "W" and a number. If these particulars are missing from the base, the piece is a fake.
3. Ascertain what glaze the item you are considering should have according to official guides. Often forgers are lazy about precision, using for example a gloss rather than a matte finish on an item through haste and carelessness. Glazes listed in Hull catalogs apply to all pieces on the market.
4. Consider the color of your potential piece. Is it similar to those regularly illustrated in hull catalogs, collector guides, and collector's websites? Is it overly bright and incongruous to the collection? If so, it's probably not real.
5. Weigh your pottery options. Fakes are usually lighter and slightly smaller then genuine hull pottery should be. Always consider cautiously any piece of pottery that feels lighter than it looks.
6. Check out Hull collector websites to see pictures of the latest forgeries to hit the pottery market. This allows you to stay one step ahead of the forger and make informed purchase decisions.
7. Select a series or collection and research it thoroughly. The narrower the collecting focus, the more acquainted with the pieces and the less likely you are to buy a fake or reproduction.

Tips & Warnings

• Hull pottery dates from 1917 onwards; anyone trying to sell you something earlier as Hull pottery is selling a fake.
• If you intend to collect Hull pottery, invest in a guidebook to ensure you are collecting the quality and genuine articles.