McCoy Pottery Barrel Cookie Jar or Canister
Decorative art, ceramic canister • McCoy Pottery Company (Nelsonville, Ohio)
Style & Movement
American Art Pottery / Mid-Century Americana
Medium & Technique
Glazed stoneware/earthenware, molded with a satin brown glaze
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (circa 1940s-1970s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 7-9 inches in height; cylindrical/ovoid barrel format
Subject Description
A utilitarian ceramic vessel shaped like a traditional wooden barrel. The exterior features vertical molded lines to represent wood staves and horizontal bands at the top and bottom to represent metal hoops.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good/Very Good; shows consistent glazing and reflective surface with no visible structural cracks in the primary view
Estimated Market Value
$25 - $60 USD
Auction Estimate
$20 - $45 USD
Provenance History
Likely American domestic collection; McCoy pottery was widely distributed throughout the United States as affordable kitchenware
Art Historical Significance
A classic example of 20th-century mass-produced American functional pottery, reflecting the 'Americana' trend and the mid-century demand for decorative kitchen storage
Notable Features
Distinctive barrel motif used across McCoy’s product lines; likely bears the 'McCoy USA' mark on the bottom surface
Condition Issues
Possible shelf wear on the unglazed base ring; slight crazing typical of aged McCoy glazes; missing the original ceramic lid
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only with mild soap; avoid extreme temperature changes to prevent further glaze crazing; display out of direct sunlight to protect the glaze longevity