Mark F. Moran - McCoy Pottery, Warmans Companion

That, combined with over 16 decades of family pottery-making history, makes it hugely popular. The pottery produced some of everything, and this may be one of the appealing features of the pottery, notes Dewayne Imsand, Vice President of the McCoy Pottery Collectors' Society (mccoypotterycollectorssociety.org) and editor of the Society's quarterly Journal. Yet, like many things, the market for McCoy has changed with the popularity of eBay. Over 1500 McCoy pieces are offered daily on the auction website (typically the most listings for any pottery), resulting in a major decline in prices for lower to medium priced pieces. Meanwhile, prices for the upper one-third has softened slightly, while the top 510% have held their values. There does not seem to be an especially hot pottery line or era, observes Imsand.

But rather what is hot is the cream of the crop type pieces. When one of these type pieces show up for sale in the public market, the interest is very intense. McCoy Limited products from the 1980s have grown the most in popularity in recent years, Imsand goes on to explain. Still, pieces from the 1930s through the early 1960s retain the largest interest overall. The earlier pieces have a form that is a bit more art pottery as opposed to the volume vase and planter production of the '40s and '50s. Specific collecting areas with a high interest currently are: flower forms, miniature pieces, pastel pieces from the early 1940s, animal shaped pieces, and wall pockets.

Imsand stresses the importance of good reference books and collector clubs when pursuing McCoy Pottery. As with most things, knowledge is very important, so get a good reference book with a reputation for accuracy of information, he says. Also, email experienced collectors with your questions and read the articles they have written. Fakes and reproductions continue to flourish and confuse. The novice collector is the most vulnerable to this fraudulent activity, Imsand cautions, adding, Knowledge is the key to combating this collector threat. Most serious collectors, with a few years of collecting experience, become aware of methods to avoid these undesirable pieces, and the sellers of them.

Collector clubs continue to provide valuable resources for their members. The McCoy Pottery Collectors' Society itself publishes a quarterly journal with tips and information. Imsand also recommends attending special pottery events such as the annual July Pottery Festival in Zanesville, Ohio. In this way, collectors can interact with other collectors and gain a wealth of knowledge. Despite the ups and downs of collecting, most collectors thrive on the thrill of discovery. That is one of the great aspects about collecting McCoy pottery, Imsand says.

Not a year goes by that some undiscovered piece that was not produced surfaces for all to admire and enjoy. In addition, test pieces, or pieces with an odd glaze coloring, or a personally decorated piece by an employee for their own use, continues to regularly surface. A case in point was the recent discovery of a large quantity of sketches done in pencil by the talented McCoy designer Leslie Cope. The sketches are of pieces produced in the 1940s and '50s by McCoy along with pieces that were never produced. The drawings were discovered by family member Velma Cope. Some of them were framed and sold to collectors.

If you are thinking about starting a McCoy collection, Imsand says to buy chosen pieces regularly. The larger the display, the better your McCoy will look, he says. Over time most collectors with some experience have figured that out, which is why we are known as volume collectors. However, do not be afraid to buy an expensive piece on occasion. It will most probably be the best investment of all, and it will greatly enhance your collection.