Expert: Leisha Hiester - 8/13/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I have two vases, one which I've included in photo, the other exactly like it in style, shape, and size but black glaze with white swirls. On both there's one raised row of diamond shape chain. On the bottoms is USA and 120 carved in the clay and a number in a circle. They are both 6 1/4" high.
I've checked books and the internet but can't find anything like these. Any information you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your consideration.
Elise

ANSWER: Elise,
Do you have a photo of the bottom with the markings?
Leisha

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

QUESTION: Yes.But hard to see clearly.

Answer
Elise,
  
Some McCoy pottery was marked with U.S.A. However, not all pottery marked U S A is McCoy. This is confusing, I know. The majority is marked with some type of a McCoy mark.

According to "McCoy Pottery" by Huxford, pg 22, { "The letters U.S.A. were used alone from as early as 1926 on some crockery to very late; but the period of heaviest use seems to be during the 1940's."} Actually, some mccoy was not marked at all. Lots of good stuff isnt marked.

Kinda confusing to some, but I believe your vases warrant studying. You may want to consult with a McCoy Pottery expert.

http://www.mccoypottery.com/mark.html

Hope this helps. Leisha