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.
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Instructions
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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.
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Comments
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cyberantiques
Jul 25, 2010
The original post is correct. im-saved-r-u says that the Antique Trader Fakes & Reproductions says that Hull never signed in script. They did not say that - it (4th Edition, 2007) says that "authentic marks on floral patterns are generally a block-style letter, not script." My Hull book (Snyder, 2nd Edition) says that Hull used inscribed script for both artware and kitchenware lines during the 1950s. Such marks were also molded. This confirms the orignal statement. -
heymssy
Apr 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?
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kat50054
Mar 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?
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kat50054
Mar 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?
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juststarting
Dec 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
