Beginner's Guide To Collecting Cookie Jars
History of Decorative Cookie Jars
Decorative cookie jars have a long history dating back to the early 1900s. The first cookie jars were made from ceramic or pottery and were designed to keep cookies fresh for longer. The jars often featured decorative designs, such as animals or fruit, and were used as a way to add a touch of charm to the kitchen.
The earliest known decorative cookie jar is a 10-inch-tall ceramic jar shaped like a trash can from Brush Kolorkraft of Roseville, Ohio, dated 1929. One of the most famous cookie jar manufacturers was the McCoy Pottery Company, which began producing cookie jars in the 1930s. McCoy's cookie jars were known for their whimsical designs, such as a little Dutch girl, a black mammy, and a smiling pig. Other early cookie jar manufacturers include McKee Glass Company of Pennsylvania, glass makers keen to capitalize on the new cookie jar trend, and Louisville Pottery, who made lidded jars for the Harper J. Ransburg Company of Indiana. Ransburg has been credited with hand-painting up to a quarter-million jars yearly during its peak in the 1930s. Popular designs ranged from floral motifs, Davy Crockett style coonskin caps, and classic nursery rhyme characters such as Humpty Dumpty, Mary, and her little lamb.
During the 1940s and 1950s, cookie jars became even more popular as mass production methods made them more affordable. Companies like Hull, Shawnee, and Red Wing also began producing cookie jars with various designs, including cartoon characters, animals, and holiday themes.
In the 1960s and 1970s, cookie jars started to lose popularity as people began to focus more on health and fitness. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in cookie jars, with collectors paying high prices for vintage and rare jars.
Finding Hidden Treasures
There are several places where you can find vintage cookie jars:
Antique shops: Antique shops often have a selection of vintage cookie jars and other kitchen collectibles.
Online marketplaces: Websites like eBay, Etsy, and Ruby Lane are popular places to find vintage cookie jars. These online marketplaces allow you to browse a wide range of cookie jars from different eras and price ranges.
Estate sales: Estate sales can be a great place to find vintage cookie jars, as they often feature a wide range of household items, including kitchen collectibles.
Flea markets: Flea markets can be hit or miss, but they can also be a great place to find vintage cookie jars at reasonable prices.
Garage sales: Garage sales are another option for finding vintage cookie jars. While the selection may be limited, you may be able to find some hidden gems at a bargain price.
Remember, when purchasing vintage cookie jars, it's important to carefully inspect them for any damage or cracks. It's also a good idea to do your research and determine the value of the jar before making a purchase, as some vintage cookie jars can be quite valuable.
Tips for Buying Cookie Jars Online
If you are thinking about buying vintage cookie jars online, here are some tips to help you make a smart purchase:
Check the seller's reputation: Before making a purchase, check the seller's feedback ratings and reviews from previous buyers. This will give you an idea of their reputation and whether they are a trustworthy seller.
Look for detailed descriptions: Make sure the seller provides detailed descriptions of the cookie jar, including its size, condition, and any imperfections. If the seller has not provided sufficient information, don't hesitate to ask for more details or photos.
Review the photos carefully: Look at the photos of the cookie jar closely to ensure that you are getting what you expect. Look for any damage or wear and tear that might not have been mentioned in the description.
Check the shipping and return policies: Ensure you understand the seller's shipping and return policies before purchasing. Check how much shipping will cost, how long it will take to arrive, and whether the seller offers returns or refunds.
Research the value of the cookie jar: Do some research on the value of the cookie jar you are interested in to determine whether the price being offered is fair. Look for comparable cookie jars that have sold recently to get an idea of the market value.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of making a smart and satisfying purchase when buying a vintage cookie jar online.
Character Cookie Jars
Character cookie jars are decorative cookie jars that feature a popular cartoon or movie character as the design. These jars are often highly collectible and can be found in a wide variety of designs.
Character cookie jars first became popular in the 1940s and 1950s, when companies like Shawnee, Hull, and McCoy began producing cookie jars with designs based on popular characters like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Bugs Bunny. These jars were often brightly colored and featured the character in a whimsical pose or situation.
Today, character cookie jars are still produced and continue to be popular with collectors. Some popular designs include jars featuring characters from Disney movies, such as Cinderella and Snow White, and jars featuring characters from popular television shows and movies, like Star Wars and Harry Potter.
Collecting character cookie jars can be a fun hobby, but it's important to research before making a purchase. Look for jars in good condition and check for any cracks, chips, or other damage. Also, be aware that some character cookie jars can be quite valuable, so it's essential to buy from a reputable dealer and to understand the market value of the jar you are interested in.
Memorabilia Cookie Jars
Memorabilia cookie jars are another decorative cookie jar designed to showcase a particular brand, product, or event. These jars often feature designs associated with a specific era or pop culture phenomenon and are highly collectible among enthusiasts. Memorabilia cookie jars can come in a wide variety of designs, such as jars featuring popular products like Coca-Cola or Oreo cookies, as well as jars commemorating events like the 1969 moon landing or the World's Fair.
Sports teams: Cookie jars featuring logos or mascots of popular sports teams can be highly collectible among sports fans. Examples include cookie jars featuring the logos of the NFL, Major League Baseball, and college sports teams. Some other areas of memorabilia cookie jars include:
Sports teams: Cookie jars featuring logos or mascots of famous sports teams can be highly collectible among sports fans. Examples include cookie jars featuring the logos of the NFL, Major League Baseball, and college sports teams.
Holidays: Cookie jars featuring designs for holidays such as Christmas, Halloween, and Easter are popular among collectors. These jars feature designs like Santa Claus, Easter bunnies, and jack-o-lanterns.
Cartoons and TV shows: Cookie jars featuring characters from popular cartoons and TV shows can be highly collectible. Examples include jars featuring characters from The Flintstones, The Simpsons, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
Food and beverage brands: Cookie jars featuring logos or designs of popular food and beverage brands can also be highly collectible. Examples include jars featuring Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Campbell's Soup designs.
Political figures: Cookie jars featuring designs related to political figures or elections can also be highly collectible. Examples include jars featuring designs related to presidential campaigns or political slogans.
Vintage Cookie Jars Worth Money
Here are a few examples of some vintage cookie jars that have sold for quite a lot of money:
Rare McCoy Mammy Cookie Jar: This cookie jar features a caricature of an African American woman in a red and white polka dot dress and was produced by McCoy Pottery in the 1940s. The jar is highly collectible and can sell for thousands of dollars in good condition.
Hull Little Red Riding Hood Cookie Jar: This cookie jar features a design inspired by the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood and was produced by Hull Pottery in the 1940s. Collectors highly seek after the jar, which can sell for several thousand dollars in good condition.
Shawnee Puss 'n Boots Cookie Jar: This cookie jar features a design inspired by the character of Puss in Boots from the fairy tale of the same name and was produced by Shawnee Pottery in the 1940s. The jar is highly collectible and can sell for several thousand dollars in good condition.
American Bisque Mickey Mouse Cookie Jar: This cookie jar features a design inspired by the character of Mickey Mouse and was produced by American Bisque in the 1930s. The jar is rare and highly sought after by collectors, with examples in good condition selling for several thousand dollars or more.
These are just a few examples of vintage cookie jars worth a lot of money. However, it's important to note that the value of a cookie jar can vary depending on its condition, rarity, and demand among collectors.
