Mid-Century Modern Tan Stoneware Cup and Saucer (possibly Hull Pottery Mirror Brown or similar variant)
Ceramic tableware / Decorative art • Hull Pottery Company (based on the visible 'H' in the backstamp)
Style & Movement
Mid-Century Modern / American Industrial Design / Rustic Dinerware
Medium & Technique
Stoneware with matte glaze and hand-applied or stamped banding; industrial kiln firing
Creation Period
Circa 1960s – 1970s
Dimensions & Format
Saucer: approx. 6 inches diameter; Cup: standard 8-10 oz capacity. Circular/ovoid format.
Subject Description
Utilitarian ceramic set featuring a cream/tan body with a dark brown concentric circular band on the saucer rim. The design prioritizes durability and ergonomic utility typical of mid-century mass-produced pottery.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Fair. Functional integrity remains, but surfaces show visible wear.
Estimated Market Value
$5.00 - $15.00 USD for the set
Auction Estimate
$2.00 - $10.00 USD (typically sold in larger lots or as replacements)
Provenance History
Likely manufactured in Ohio, USA. Sold through retail or catalog distribution; common in American households and diners during the latter half of the 20th century.
Art Historical Significance
Representative of the post-war industrial boom in American ceramics, where companies like Hull, McCoy, and Pfaltzgraff transitioned from decorative art pottery to durable, mass-market stoneware.
Notable Features
Distinctive Hull Pottery 'H' backstamp on the cup base with production mold numbers (6-1), and a characteristic 'drip' or 'mirror' banding style common to the era.
Condition Issues
Visible glaze wear, surface abrasions, utensils marks, and possible crazing. Significant shelf-wear and 'flea bites' on the unglazed foot ring of the cup.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle cleaning with non-abrasive detergents. Avoid thermal shock; hand wash only to prevent further degradation of the matte finish.