McCoy Pottery Deer Planter Value Guide

The McCoy Pottery Deer Planter is a quintessential piece of mid-century Americana produced in Zanesville, Ohio, during the post-war era. Its charming depiction of a stylized doe standing beside a green tree trunk vase exemplifies the accessible art pottery that once graced five-and-dime store shelves.

What affects the value of McCoy Pottery Deer Planter?

• Condition is paramount, as chips on the delicate ears of the deer or the rim of the tree trunk significantly lower the $35-$38 price point.
• The presence of 'crazing' in the glaze, which are fine hairline cracks that can occur with age, may impact the desirability for some collectors.
• Clarity of the mold details, as earlier castings from fresh molds show sharper features on the deer and bark texture on the tree.
• The vibrancy of the original glaze, specifically ensuring the green and brown pigments have not faded or been altered by chemical cleaners.

How to Identify McCoy Pottery Deer Planter?

• Look for the characteristic McCoy hallmark or 'USA' mark typically embossed on the bottom of the ceramic base.
• Examine the glaze for the specific mid-century color palette, featuring a brown doe and a distinct forest green tree trunk.
• Verify the dimensions and weight, as authentic McCoy pieces from the 1940s have a substantial, heavy ceramic feel compared to modern reproductions.
• Check for the stylized, rounded aesthetic of the doe which is a signature of McCoy's animal-themed novelty line.

History of McCoy Pottery Deer Planter

McCoy Pottery, founded in 1910 in Zanesville, Ohio, became one of the most iconic American producers of art pottery. During the mid-20th century, they produced a wide variety of animal-themed planters and novelties that defined the aesthetic of many post-war American homes. These charming figurines were often sold in five-and-dime stores and are now quintessential mid-century collectibles.