Mid-Century McCoy Art Pottery Vase or Planter

This item is the base of a ceramic vessel, identifiable by the distinctive embossed hallmark of 'McCoy USA,' a renowned American art pottery manufacturer. The base features a circular foot rim with a recessed, glazed center. The material is a heavy molded earthenware or stoneware characteristic of mid-20th-century mass-produced pottery. The primary color is a creamy white or off-white glaze with a high-gloss finish. Key markings include the embossed 'McCoy' name at the top of the base and the mold number '287' prominently centered. Hand-marked notations in black ink or marker are visible at the bottom, likely indicating a price of '9.99' and inventory codes from a secondary market seller. Regarding condition, there is a visible hairline crack extending from the outer rim inward toward the center, which significantly impacts its structural integrity. The unglazed foot rim shows considerable shelf wear, darkening, and minor surface abrasions consistent with age and use. There is also a small green glaze drip or stray mark in the center. Based on the style and marking, this piece likely dates from the 1940s to the 1960s. The craftsmanship is typical of the McCoy Pottery Company's utilitarian but decorative aesthetic, which remains highly collectible despite common production imperfections.

I have examined the digital images of the ceramic base, which demonstrates the hallmark characteristics of the McCoy Pottery Company. The 'McCoy USA' embossed mark and mold number '287' correlate with known mid-century production, specifically a line often associated with planters or jardinières from the 1950s. While the glaze and earthenware body appear consistent with authentic McCoy production, certain identification cannot be confirmed without physical inspection of the piece's weight, clay texture, and sound (the 'ring' test). Authenticity would be further bolstered by a complete secondary market history or provenance documentation. Regarding condition, the piece shows significant detriments. I observed a notable hairline crack extending toward the center; such structural flaws are considered 'deadly' to the value of mass-produced art pottery. The unglazed foot rim shows expected shelf wear, and the ink '9.99' notation suggests a recent thrift or secondary market valuation. The market for McCoy remains stable for rare, pristine pieces (such as the 'Cookie Jar' or 'Loy-Nel-Art' lines). However, common mold shapes like #287 are abundant. Due to the damage noted and the utilitarian nature of the off-white glaze, the value is primarily decorative rather than investment-grade. A full authentication would require examining the piece for professional restorations under a UV light and verifying the exact dimensions against period catalogs. Currently, the visible damage limits the resale potential to the low end of the market.