There were just two things in the Treasure Box for this week-- one of which I shared with you good folks on Sunday.The other was a vase that had caught my eye several weeks ago, in a McCoy display at the We Miss Back When antique mall in Apollo, PA. The color and shape were absolutely my taste. Regular readers probably know by now my love of these organic-looking art pottery pieces in cool pastels. And this one seemed so finely-done.
The mark on the bottom of the vase said "Brush Company." And because I had already selected a more inexpensive, small McCoy piece from the mall, I ended up passing on the vase. Budget just wouldn't allow.
It was this week, I was in the area and finally made the purchase for my collection. (And on sale, no less!)
Interestingly, the vase does seem to be a part of the McCoy company's lengthy history. The company had many names, many mergers and many smaller companies branching from it since the turn-of-the-1900s, and the Brush Company was one of those early iterations.If the vase is truly from the Brush Company itself-- and not a part of the later merger called "Brush-McCoy"-- then the vase had a very small window of opportunity for production.
According to my Collector's Encyclopedia of McCoy Pottery, the Brush Pottery company was a one-kiln operation in the Putman section of Zanesville, Ohio in 1907, started by one of the later general managers of McCoy pottery, George S. Brush. Due to a fire, the Brush Pottery only existed from 1907-1908.
Brush-McCoy began in 1911.
So I still need to verify the mark on the bottom of the vase to determine if it's really just Brush Pottery or not, but either way, it's probably a pretty old piece.No matter-- the point, as with anything a person collects-- is that I love it. The smooth, creamy matte finish... The leafy, feathery shape... It sits with McCoy cousins in its color palette as a central focal point like it's always lived there.
And I was wondering-- do you folks collect anything that you've had to do some research on?
7 comments:
For some odd reason the vase reminds me of a head of cabbage.
I mostly collect dolls. I haven't expanded on my collection since I had kids. Doll collecting can be an expensive hobby and until my little girl can handle a real doll, they are off limits.
I believe you have an early Brush piece. The colors, finish and style all scream McCoy. It's always good to get something on sale.
Shirley- It is rather cabbagey. I also can see palm fronds in it.
I can certainly understand wanting to preserve your doll collection. Someday your daughter may very well appreciate them as you do.
MAFatWoman- It did to me, too. It was what called, "Come look at me!" to me from way across a crowded room. :)
Oh, I love that! Love the shape and color. I collect McCoy, but I was not aware of the whole Brush connection. I think you found a treasure for sure.
It is lovely! I can see how it called your name. I love the color and style. It will be interesting to see what you find out. I do research on most of my collections when I can find info.
I research just about everything that I buy too. There are very few things that I know the value of (texas ware mixing bowls are actually about it). So, every time that I buy something at a thrift store, I run home to do research. Partially to verify my instincts (that I have indeed made a great find) and partially to satisfy my love of history (which seems so much more tangible when you've got the treasure of the moment sitting in front of you).
These remind me of my Nannie! They have such grace and flow. The colors are perfect! :P
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