Vintage FYI: The Real McCoy 2

This week’s Vintage FYI post is by Leisa K. Farrow of nowandthenstyle.

I have always been drawn to McCoy Pottery. I am especially fond of the matte glaze pieces from the 1940s and 50s. My first piece was actually by Nelson McCoy, made in the 40s in a beautiful shade of aqua that I found in a small shop in Northern California. 

From there I found myself drawn to the Blossom Time line, produced in the 1950s. To me this is the perfect design for many decors. It is feminine, yet quirky.

In April of 1910 The Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company was formed by Nelson McCoy and his father J. W. McCoy. They began to manufacture and sell functional and decorative stoneware.

By 1925 the McCoy family began to expand the Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company. It should also be noted that Brush McCoy was a different company altogether.

Such items as Vases, Jardinières and their Pedestals, Umbrella Stands and other decorative products were produced.

McCoy pottery products changed as the Head Designer changed. During the early period the look of the leaves and berries was the work of the designer Walter Bauer.

By 1936 Mr. Sydney Cope of England was the Lead Designer for the Pottery. While there were other designers employed by the company, Mr. Cope shaped the future of the art pottery style that the Nelson McCoy Pottery is best known.

The new hallmark Cope devised was simply the overlapping initials “NM” for Nelson McCoy.
Familiar pieces are The Wishing Well and Down by the Old Mill Stream. Although functional, these pieces were also works of art. 

From the mid 40’s and into the 50’s and 60’s the company produced a line of cookie jars, which still hold the most appeal to McCoy collectors.

In 1990 the McCoy Pottery closed for good due to years of declining sales and profit.