Mid-Century McCoy Ceramic Pottery Planter

This is a rectangular ceramic pottery planter, appearing to be a mid-century piece characteristic of McCoy Pottery or similar American art pottery manufacturers. The base is constructed from a creamy-white earthenware clay body, featuring a shallow inset unglazed foot rim. The exterior displays a multi-toned green and white glaze application with possible pinkish undertones seen at the very edge, suggesting a floral or leaf-motif decorative theme common for planters of the 1940s-1950s. The most significant feature is the hand-incised mold or model number '4555' (or similar digit configuration) visible on the underside. The glaze work shows characteristic mid-century thick, drip-style application. Condition-wise, there is visible shelf wear on the raised edges, minor firing flaws in the form of small pockmarks or 'pinholes' in the glaze, and localized discoloration or staining on the unglazed portions of the bottom. No major cracks or structural repairs are immediately visible in this view, though some minor kiln stilt marks or manufacturing irregularities are present. The item likely dates to the post-war era of mass-produced decorative home accessories, known for its kitsch and functional aesthetic. The craftsmanship is industrial-grade but displays the charm of hand-finished molds and manually applied glazes.

I have examined the digital representations of this rectangular ceramic planter, which exhibits several hallmark characteristics of mid-century American art pottery, specifically consistent with the McCoy Pottery Company’s production methods. The incised model number '4555' on the underside is a critical identifier, though the glaze obscuration makes absolute confirmation difficult. The 'blended' green and white glaze with pink accents is emblematic of the late 1940s to early 1950s aesthetic. The condition appears fair to good; while I note the expected shelf wear and minor kiln-born pinholes, the lack of structural 'spiders' or major chips preserves its utility and display value. The market for mid-century McCoy remains stable but saturated for common floral and geometric planters. While highly collectible, these mass-produced items are valued by interior decorators and general collectors rather than high-end investors. Comparables for similar McCoy rectangular forms range from $35 to $85 depending on glaze vibrancy and lack of interior calcification. Several limitations exist in this remote assessment. To finalize authenticity, I would require an in-person tactile inspection to check for 'cold paint' (post-firing touch-ups), weight verification to ensure against modern reproductions (often lighter or slightly smaller due to scan-molding), and a black-light test to detect professionally restored hairline fractures. Provenance documentation or a verified catalog entry for the SKU 4555 would further cement its historical placement. Without physical handling, this value reflects a fair market estimate based on visual morphology and current online auction trends.