Treasure Box Wednesday: The Vase with No Name

"I've been through the thrift store for a vase with no name
It was good to get out of the rain
In the thrift store, you'll be glad that ya came
'Cause there ain't but one vase, yup, no two's the same"

--With huge apologies to the band America's "Horse with No Name"

Yesssir, on Treasure Box Wednesday here at the Thrift Shop Romantic, you not only get to see thrifted goodies, you get really bad takeoffs on popular 70s music, too!

Aren't you glad you stopped by? :)

Actually, I was really glad I stopped by the Salvation Army Superstore in West Mifflin over the weekend-- a brief trip between errands-- because I came across this pretty, old, art nouveau influenced pottery vase...

(The one on the left.)

With its celadon color and matte finish, I had a sneaking suspicion it was unmarked McCoy...

And a check of my McCoy collecting book proved that was true! A piece from around 1935.

While I was taking photos this morning, I thought I'd also show you the other side of the top of that same tall, built-in cabinet. Two more McCoy styled pieces live there. The red one on the left is also unmarked, and it came originally from the Goodwill in Irwin, PA. The green piece on right is marked McCoy, and it came from the L&L Fleatique just down the road from Irwin, in Adamsburg...
I didn't get them at the same time, though. :)

Anyway, it just goes to show, if you like something and it's at the right price, you don't necessarily have to worry about the manufacturer... Make sure you have the right resource books and consider taking a chance.

You might just find you have an even bigger treasure than you expected!

9 comments:

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jenn,
Great vases!! And great buys!!

Hugs,
Debbie@ A Debbie-Dabble Christmas

Mindy said...

I am continually amazed at what you find at the thrift stores. I have had a hard time finding old stuff in my PNW region. So, I live vicariously through your blog. :)

Alex M said...

Good Job Jen!

Lynda said...

My hubby collected McCoy before he met me and neither of us like most of the pieces. I've tried selling a few on Ebay but no luck. Yours are much nicer than most of the ones we have in boxes in the basement!

Jenn Thorson said...

Debbie- Hey, there- thanks, and thanks for visiting!

MommaMindy- It really does vary by area, doesn't it? Glad to at least provide some vicarious thrifting fun for ya. :)

Alex- Hey thanks! Hope you're doing well!!

Lynda- Heh, so it's a collection your hubby now is saying to himself, "What was I THINKING?!" :) I think many of us have felt that before.

My pieces tend to be from the 30s and 40s or earlier. Once the 60s hit, I feel like the McCoy stuff doesn't quite work with my decor--- it feels a little less art pottery to me and a bit more modern or kitschy.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I love the vases. I have one with no name, wonder if it's McCoy also or just a lost in space vase!

Jenn Thorson said...

Linda- I can look it up for you in my book if you have a photo of it.

Gianetta said...

Definitely McCoys!

My Daily Creation said...

I have a couple of McCoy pieces. I find all sorts of treasures at the thrift stores around me. I have a couple of vases that I think may be art deco/nouveau, but the markings are unrecognizable on the bottom. I think I need to get a book on antique vases.