How to Identify Antique Circus Cookie Jars

Collecting antique circus cookie jars is a hobby for some people. It's not uncommon for people to peruse flea markets or online sources in search of cookie jars that they remember from childhood. Serious collectors, however, are always looking for jars that they've never seen before or for jars they don't have. When it comes to antique circus cookie jars, the older the better. There are also a few things to keep an eye out for to make sure they are authentic.

Instructions

1. Know what to look for in an antique circus cookie jar. There are a couple of brands that are well known and if you come across one of these, you will most likely pay a pretty decent amount for it. The most common brand of antique circus cookie jar is the McCoy brand. However, there are also Doranne of California and Barnum's Animal Crackers brands.

2. Look for ceramic cookie jars. Most of the circus cookie jars of yesteryear were made of ceramic material. This is especially true of the three brands previously mentioned. Also, unless they are in impeccable shape, the colors will most likely be faded, and they will have that old look about them.

3. Look for jars that are clearly worn. Antique circus cookie jars will have a dull finish in most cases. You will rarely find an old jar that has a bright, glossy paint job. This is especially true if the jar has been used quite a bit. The paint will appear to be faded and in some cases, dull. Check those jars that sellers claim to be Doranne of California brand. If they truly are that brand, they will have "USA" stamped on them. This is especially true of the Gold Circus Elephant cookie jar. In addition, this particular cookie jar also has a dappled collar and swirls on its body.

4. Identify authentic McCoy brand cookie jars, specifically the clown cookie jar, by looking for the red, yellow and green paint jobs. In addition, this particular cookie jar's lid detaches right above the clown's eyes. If you are looking for the McCoy black circus horse cookie jar, you can check the bottom of the jar for the following stamp: McCoy USA.

5. Look for the Barnum's Animal Crackers box when searching for the Barnum's Circus cookie jar. It will look just like the box of animal crackers. In addition, there's a clown head located on the top of the cookie jar, which serves as a handle of sorts, to make lifting the top off the jar easier.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish