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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
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Step 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.
Comments
heymssy said
on 4/29/2009 I have a piece of Hull pottery in the shape of a dashound dog. It is not a planter. The inscription on the bottom is "Hull 120" in script. Does anyone have any information about this piece? Age, value?
kat50054 said
on 3/22/2009 I have a very old item that is a porcelain planter of a cat and a rabbit right beside the cat it is a heavy item and has USA on the back towards the bottom. Could this be an old Hull?
juststarting said
on 12/10/2008 I just found these pieces (2 pitchers) at a foreclosing home. From some picture resourcing I belive they are sun glow's. the bottom of one reads 52 - 240z USA. the other one reads USA 55. The pictures I have seen look the same, and on Ebay I saw one of the same pitchers that I have selling them as Hull, with the same thing on the bottom. Are these true originals?? thank you
im-saved-r-u said
on 2/26/2008 I have the antique trader spot a fake guide for antiques and you have referenced that post 50's hull was marked in either block lettering or large script. The book I have says that Hull never signed in script. That is a true sign of a reproduction. Hull in block lettering is a sign of an original.
I didn't want you to mislead your reads for fear they would be accused of selling fakes.
im-saved-r-u said
on 2/26/2008 I have the antique trader spot a fake guide for antiques and you have referenced that post 50's hull was marked in either block lettering or large script. The book I have says that Hull never signed in script. That is a true sign of a reproduction. Hull in block lettering is a sign of an original.
I didn't want you to mislead your reads for fear they would be accused of selling fakes.