Expert: Leisha Hiester - 12/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have a vase that was handed down from a few generations in the family and I can't figure out anything about it? I was hoping you might be able to help me or put me on the right trail. I can send a picture if it helps but its an flower vase of some sort kinda oblong shaped with a flower that looks like a daisy on each side, its ceramic and has these marking on the bottom U.S.A. K or H U II Art L-A- 8 1/2 not sure if any of that helps
Thank you for any help you can give.
Dave Cz

ANSWER: David,
At first glance I thought it might be a Roseville, but if it were it would have a Roseville mark on the bottom. I'll bet it's 8 1/2" tall? I'll do some searching tomorrow in my books for the marks. I'm not an expert on antiques, but I have done my fair share of collecting. I have a few sites I can recommend for you also.

Leisha

David,
Sometimes the most obvious is right under your nose! What you have is from Hull Pottery Company! "Hull Art" was used in the mid-1940's. I laughed at myself for not seeing it. I took your e-mail as "H U" and was searching for that. Ha. They produced pottery until 1952 in Ohio. A flood & fire destroyed the plant in 1950. When they re-opened they dropped the 2 initials. Here's a good link that'll give you some more.

http://oldetymecollectiblespottery.com/histories/hullmarks.html

Leisha




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Leisha, wow I never would of noticed that! Thats why your the pro!! Thanks again. I do have one more obvious question/ Do you think its worth anything besides family value? It must be 50-60 yrs old, it was given to my mother on hew wedding day in the early 50's

Answer
David,
I thought I'd answered this question, but here it is again. Of course it's worth something, especially to your family, but if you really want a price put on it, I'd recommend searching out an antiques expert or Hull collector. I often recommend Kovels.com because they are so reputable. Another idea is to take it to your local antique/vintage dealer/shop and have them take a look at it for an appraisal.

Leisha