How to Sell Hull Pottery: A Practical Guide

How to Sell Hull Pottery

To sell Hull Pottery, start by researching the specific pieces you have and their current market value.

Look for identification marks on the pottery, such as “Hull USA” or “Hull Art USA” for pre-1950 pieces, and “Hull” in large script or block letters for pieces made after 1950.

Take clear and detailed photos of your pottery to include in your listings.

Next, determine the best platform to sell your Hull Pottery, such as online marketplaces like eBay or Etsy, or antique dealers and collectors.

Consider creating a comprehensive listing that includes the history and details of the piece, along with any notable features or marks.

When pricing your items, take into consideration factors such as rarity, condition, and demand.

Consulting price guides or reaching out to experts in Hull Pottery can help you set a fair and competitive price.

Provide accurate descriptions and disclose any flaws or damage to maintain transparency with potential buyers.

Finally, promote your listings through social media, online communities, or by joining Hull Pottery forums and groups.

Participating in relevant discussions and engaging with potential buyers can help generate interest in your pottery.

Regularly monitor your listings and promptly respond to inquiries or offers.

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The History Of Hull Pottery Company

The Hull Pottery Company, founded by Addis E. Hull in 1905, has a rich history in the world of pottery. Initially known as A.E. Hull Pottery Company, it started by producing stoneware and utilitarian items but soon expanded its repertoire to include beautiful art pottery pieces in various colors and glazes.

After the passing of Addis E. Hull in 1930, his son Addis E. Hull Jr. took over as the company’s manager. However, he left in 1937 to manage Shawnee Pottery. Gerald F. Watts then stepped in as the manager and successfully led Hull Pottery through the challenging years that followed.

In 1950, tragedy struck when the Hull plant was engulfed by a fire caused by a flood. Despite this setback, the company remained resilient and committed to continuing its production and rebuilding its reputation. J.B. Hull took the reins and oversaw the reconstruction of the plant, allowing production to resume.

Throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, Hull Pottery consistently delivered high-quality products, earning a reputation for excellence. However, the company faced tough competition from foreign manufacturers and labor strikes, which sadly contributed to its closure in 1986. Despite its closure, Hull Pottery maintains a cherished status in the pottery world, and collectors highly value its pieces.

Key Points:

• Hull Pottery Company was founded in 1905 by Addis E. Hull.
• It started with stoneware and utilitarian items but expanded into art pottery.
• Addis E. Hull Jr. took over as manager after his father’s death, but later left.
• Gerald F. Watts became the manager and guided the company through difficult times.
• The Hull plant burned down in 1950 but was rebuilt under J.B. Hull’s leadership.
• Hull Pottery had a strong reputation for quality in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s.
• The company faced competition and labor strikes, leading to its closure in 1986.
• Hull Pottery remains highly sought after by collectors.

Notable Hull Pottery Collections

Hull Pottery was renowned for its extensive collection of beautiful and unique pieces. One of its most iconic collections is the Little Red Riding Hood dinnerware collection, which has become highly sought-after in the world of collectible pottery. This whimsical collection features a variety of pieces adorned with the beloved Little Red Riding Hood character.

Aside from the Little Red Riding Hood collection, Hull Pottery also crafted a wide range of other items, including high-gloss art pottery, toiletry jars for Old Spice, vases, baskets, piggy banks, and lamps. Their repertoire encompassed both functional and decorative pieces, all meticulously crafted with exquisite attention to detail and craftsmanship.

A notable highlight of Hull Pottery’s legacy is its production of a staggering 11 million pottery containers for Old Spice in 1937. This collaboration showcased the company’s versatility and ability to produce on a massive scale.

The company’s most acclaimed work is often considered to be from the late 1930s to the 1950s, during which they created captivating figural cookie jars and the popular Little Red Riding Hood line. In the 1940s, Hull also introduced art pottery lines featuring floral decor and a pastel matte finish. Additionally, they crafted figural pottery vessels for the florist trade from the 1940s to the 1960s.

During the 1950s, following a fire that destroyed the original plant, Hull Pottery transitioned to a glossy finish for most of its pieces. Patterns such as Tropicana, Woodland, Parchment, Flora, Continental, and Pine lines gained popularity during this era. From the late 1960s to the 1980s, Hull Pottery focused on its House ‘n’ Garden line of casual dinnerware, available in various vibrant colors.

• The Little Red Riding Hood dinnerware collection is one of Hull Pottery’s most iconic collections.
• Hull Pottery produced a range of both functional and decorative pieces.
• A notable collaboration was the production of 11 million pottery containers for Old Spice in 1937.
• The late 1930s to the 1950s marked the creation of remarkable figural cookie jars and the popular Little Red Riding Hood line.
• Hull Pottery also crafted art pottery lines with floral decor and a pastel matte finish in the 1940s.
• The company produced figural pottery vessels for the florist trade from the 1940s to the 1960s.
• Following a fire in the 1950s, Hull Pottery adopted a glossy finish for most of its pieces.
• Popular patterns during this time included Tropicana, Woodland, Parchment, Flora, Continental, and Pine lines.
• From the late 1960s to the 1980s, Hull Pottery focused on its House ‘n’ Garden line of casual dinnerware, available in various colors.

Hull Pottery Marks And Identification

Identifying genuine Hull Pottery is essential for both collectors and sellers. The company used different markings and variations over the years, making it crucial to understand these marks to ensure authenticity.

Here are some key details to look for when identifying genuine Hull Pottery:

• Early 1900s: Pieces from this era were marked with a capital “H” inside a circle or diamond shape, which was incised into the ceramic material.
• Pre-1950: Vases from this period are marked with “Hull USA” or “Hull Art USA” on the base and may also have paper labels attached.
• Post-1950: Pieces made after 1950 were marked with “Hull” in large script or “HULL” in block letters. Each pattern produced by Hull had a distinctive letter or number associated with it for identification.
• House ‘n’ Garden Line: In the 1960s, Hull began using a lowercase “hull” for its House ‘n’ Garden lines. Some later productions included a copyright symbol (©) in a circle.

To further understand the various markings and variations used by Hull Pottery, it is helpful to consult Hull Pottery identification and price guides. These resources can provide detailed information and visual references to assist in authenticating pieces.

Remember, having a comprehensive understanding of the markings and variations used by Hull Pottery is crucial for accurately determining the authenticity of your pieces.

Key takeaways:

• Look for specific markings depending on the era of the Hull Pottery piece.
• Consult Hull Pottery identification and price guides for detailed information and visual references.
• Understanding the markings and variations is crucial for authenticating pieces.

Recognizing Reproductions Of Hull Pottery

As with any collectible item, reproductions of Hull Pottery have been made over the years. It is essential for collectors and sellers to be able to identify these reproductions to ensure they are buying or selling genuine pieces.

Fortunately, most reproductions of Hull Pottery are relatively easy to spot due to differences in color or details compared to the original designs.

However, there is one notable exception – the Hull Bow Knot B-29 basket. This reproduction is particularly challenging to distinguish from the original, with the only noticeable difference being the size. The fake basket is slightly smaller than the genuine article, with the genuine basket measuring 11 3/4 inches tall, while the fake measures 10 1/16 inches tall.

To avoid falling victim to purchasing reproductions, it is advisable to educate oneself on the characteristics and details specific to each collection or line of Hull Pottery. Studying authentic examples and consulting reputable sources on Hull Pottery can be immensely helpful in recognizing the genuine articles.

Tips For Selling Hull Pottery

If you are looking to sell Hull Pottery, there are several tips to keep in mind to maximize your sales potential.

1. Research: Before you list your Hull Pottery for sale, it is crucial to research its current market value. Consult reputable price guides, online marketplaces, and auction results to get an idea of what similar pieces are selling for.

2. Clean and Present: Ensure that your Hull Pottery is clean and properly presented. Buyers appreciate well-cared-for pieces that are free of dust and dirt. Use appropriate cleaning methods and display your items in an attractive manner, capturing clear and detailed photographs to showcase their beauty.

3. Be Accurate in Descriptions: Provide accurate descriptions of your Hull Pottery. Include essential details such as the pattern name, date of production, and any distinguishing characteristics. Highlight any flaws or damage, as transparency is key to building trust with potential buyers.

4. Market Strategically: Utilize various online platforms, such as auction sites, online marketplaces, and social media groups, to reach a broader audience of potential buyers. Consider joining Hull Pottery collector forums or attending relevant antique fairs to connect with enthusiasts who may be interested in purchasing your pieces.

5. Consider Appraisals: If you have particularly rare or valuable pieces, it may be worth obtaining a professional appraisal. An expert can provide an unbiased evaluation of your Hull Pottery, giving you valuable information on its worth and aiding you in determining a suitable asking price.

6. Packaging and Shipping: When selling Hull Pottery, take great care in packaging your items to ensure they arrive safely at their destination. Use appropriate packaging materials such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and sturdy boxes. Consider insuring your items during transit to protect against any loss or damage.

7. Research: Consult reputable price guides, online marketplaces, and auction results.

8. Clean and Present: Ensure your Hull Pottery is clean and properly presented.
9. Be Accurate in Descriptions: Provide essential details and highlight any flaws or damage.
10. Market Strategically: Utilize online platforms and connect with enthusiasts.
11. Consider Appraisals: Obtain professional appraisals for rare or valuable pieces.
12. Packaging and Shipping: Take great care in packaging and consider insurance during transit.

What To Look For When Buying Hull Pottery

If you are interested in acquiring Hull Pottery for your collection, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase.

1. Authenticity: Ensure that the piece you are considering is authentic by examining the markings, patterns, and other identification characteristics mentioned earlier in this article. Familiarize yourself with the distinct features of each collection or line of Hull Pottery to differentiate it from reproductions.

2. Condition: Examine the condition of the pottery piece carefully. Look out for any cracks, chips, or repairs, as these can significantly affect its value. Minor crazing or signs of wear may be acceptable for vintage pieces, but it is important to be aware of any significant damage.

3. Rarity: Consider the rarity of the piece you are interested in. Limited edition or rare designs tend to be more valuable and sought after by collectors. Research the availability and scarcity of the specific pattern or collection to make an informed decision.

4. Price: As mentioned previously, research the current market value of the Hull Pottery piece you are interested in purchasing. Compare prices from various sources to ensure you are paying a fair price for the item.

5. Provenance: If possible, inquire about the provenance or history of the piece. Pieces with a documented history or those that have belonged to notable collectors may be of greater interest to enthusiasts.

By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can make informed decisions when buying Hull Pottery and add desirable pieces to your collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you tell if Hull Pottery is real?

To determine if Hull Pottery is genuine, one should carefully examine the markings on the piece. Authentic pieces from the early 1900s may bear the mark of a capital “H” inside a circle or a diamond shape, which is etched into the ceramic material. For pre-1950 vases, look for the marking “Hull USA” or “Hull Art USA” on the base, and they might also still have intact paper labels. These distinct marks and labels can serve as reliable indicators of the authenticity of Hull Pottery, allowing collectors and enthusiasts to confidently identify real pieces.

Is Hull Pottery still made?

Unfortunately, Hull Pottery is no longer in production. After the passing of its founder, Hull, in 1978, the company faced difficulties under the leadership of Henry Sulens and Larry Taylor. The mid-1980s brought a series of union strikes and increasing foreign competition that dealt a significant blow to the company’s operations. Consequently, in March 1986, Hull Pottery ceased its manufacturing operations and the plant was closed indefinitely, marking the end of an era for this once-renowned pottery brand.

What is hull art pottery?

Hull Art Pottery, a renowned name in the ceramic industry, emerged in 1905 in Crooksville, OH, under the visionary leadership of A.E. Hull. Initially, Hull Pottery specialized in producing practical stoneware, semi-porcelain tableware, and ornamental tiles. However, as time progressed, the company’s artistic prowess flourished, leading to the creation of Hull Art Pottery. This distinct line of pottery captivated enthusiasts with its intricate and captivating designs, showcasing the beauty of functional art in the form of vases, bowls, and other decorative pieces. Hull Art Pottery quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional craftsmanship and unique blend of utilitarian functionality and artistic aesthetics, leaving an indelible mark on the world of ceramics.

Does Hull Pottery have lead?

Hull Pottery has been found to contain significant levels of lead in multiple tests conducted. These tests have revealed high levels of lead in all tested Hull brand items, making them potentially unsafe for food use purposes. Given these findings, it is strongly advised to avoid using Hull Pottery for drinking or eating purposes, particularly in relation to beverages such as coffee.