Preliminary identification

McCoy Pottery Grape & Leaf Lusterware Pitcher

Photo reference

2 uploaded photos

Overview

This is a classic American art pottery ewer featuring a relief-molded grape and leaf motif finished in a striking iridescent luster glaze.

Story

During the late 1940s, the American kitchen underwent a colorful transformation as families sought to move past the austerity of the war years. This 'Grape' pattern became one of McCoy's most enduring designs, symbolizing abundance and hospitality in the new suburban dining room.

Maker / Origin

The Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company was founded in 1910 in the heart of Ohio's clay country. While they started by making utilitarian items like butter churns and whiskey jugs, they eventually…

Condition & Value

The glaze appears to have retained its luster well without significant 'crazing' (fine cracks). There is some visible shelf wear and minor staining on the unglazed foot ring, which is expected for its age. Any small chips or 'flea bites' on the spout or handle would reduce the value by approximately 25%.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD