Overview
A quintessential piece of mid-century American kitchenalia, this figural cookie jar features a hand-painted floral motif and a warm, folk-art aesthetic.
Preliminary identification
McCoy Pottery 'Mammy' with Cauliflower/Floral Dress Cookie Jar
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
In 1944, as the world was embroiled in war, the Nelson McCoy Pottery company released this design to bring a sense of domestic comfort back to the American kitchen.
Maker / Origin
The Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company was established in 1910 in the clay-rich hills of Ohio. They survived the Great Depression by pivoting from industrial crocks to whimsical, decorative jars…
Condition & Value
The jar exhibits significant crazing and 'glaze staining,' where kitchen oils have seeped into the cracks over decades. While there are no large visible chips, the surface discoloration is prominent, which is common for authentic 1940s pieces but reduces the value by roughly 40% compared to a clean specimen.
Full Research
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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 compsRegional auction
· Jun 2024Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
$1,280
SOLD
Dealer archive
· Mar 2024Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
$1,450
SOLD
Marketplace sale
· Jan 2024Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
$980
SOLD
Estate platform
· Oct 2023Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
$1,150
SOLD
Auction result
· Aug 2023Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.
$1,375
SOLD