Nelson McCoy Barrel Mug / Stein
Ceramic decorative art (mug/vessel) • Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Co. (later McCoy Pottery)
Style & Movement
American Art Pottery / Mid-Century Americana
Medium & Technique
Glazed stoneware/earthenware featuring a molded relief design and polychrome green glaze
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century (approximately 1940s-1960s)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 4-5 inches in height; vertical cylindrical format with integrated handle
Subject Description
A ceramic mug shaped like a rustic wooden barrel with visible staves and hoops. The piece is finished in a monochromatic, vibrant green translucent glaze that pools in the recesses of the texture.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; the piece shows typical age-related wear and minor glaze imperfections
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $30.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$10.00 - $25.00 USD
Provenance History
Unknown private collection; currently offered in a secondary market/antique shop setting as indicated by the 'B-214' dealer tag.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of mass-produced American art pottery which made decorative and functional stoneware accessible to the middle class during the mid-20th century.
Notable Features
Hand-written dealer tag explicitly identifies the piece as 'Nelson McCoy'. The barrel motif is a classic McCoy design often used for mugs, cookie jars, and planters.
Condition Issues
Visible glaze pops/pinholes (manufacturing defects), minor shelf wear on the base, and potential light crazing common in McCoy glazes.
Conservation Recommendations
Hand wash only with mild detergent; avoid rapid temperature changes to prevent further crazing or thermal shock.