Collecting Hull Cookie Jars
Hull cookie jars are favorites of collectors, perhaps because they are easy to locate. It is a rare person who hasn't seen the familiar apple or Little Red Riding Hood style cookie jar that Hull is famous for. Collecting Hull cookie jars is perfect for a beginner collector and seasoned collectors alike. The price is usually affordable ($20 to $50), and the items are pleasing to the eye. Whether you are purchasing a Hull cookie jar for decoration or as a long-term investment, these items are sure to go up in value.
Collecting Basics
Typical Hull cookie jars flooding the current market include:
- Little Red Riding Hood - both in full color and completely white
- Gingerbread Man
- Sunflower pattern jar
- Brown drip cookie jar
- Apple
- Oero cookie jar (spelled wrong on purpose)
- Butter churn
- Art Deco designs
Of these designs, the gingerbread man is the most coveted. The gingerbread man can sometimes be found for under $50, but if you purchase him at auction, he can command as much as $200 or more if he is in mint condition.
Cookie Jar Collecting Reference
Since there can be a wide price range in collecting Hull pottery items, it is wise to educate yourself about the various pieces of pottery, including the cookie jars, before investing in them. Although many of the Hull pottery items are clearly marked, it is a good idea to learn what the various cookie jars look like, as well as learning the location of the maker's marks.
Having a collector price guide is always helpful, especially if you are learning how to determine the value of pottery items. While a chip or two may seem insignificant, they can greatly diminish the asking price or estimated value of a Hull cookie jar. Knowing this in advance can help you avoid paying too high a price when you are out shopping. A few favorite reference items for cookie jar collectors include:
- The Collector's Encyclopedia of Hull Pottery by Brenda Roberts
- Collector's Encyclopedia of Cookie Jars by Fred and Joyce Roerig
- The Wonderful World of Cookie Jars by Mark and Ellen Supnick
- An Illustrated Value Guide to Cookie Jars by Ermagene Westfall
- Today's Collector magazine
Cookie Jar Clubs
As with any hobby, joining a cookie jar collector's club can greatly increase your enjoyment of it. Clubs are a way for fellow enthusiasts to increase their knowledge, educate others and of course, trade treasured items amongst the members. Clubs may meet locally, or they can get together online. If you live far away from a big city you can join an online cookie jar collecting club to chat, discuss trends and current news. Many Internet Providers' websites feature hobby news groups. Check out yours to see if a cookie jar collector's club has already been created- if not, why don't you consider starting one?
Favorite national cookie jar collecting groups are:
Conclusion
Assembling Hull cookie jars is a great way to start any collection. They are somewhat easy to identify for beginners, and they are increasing in value. However, before you begin collecting these charming cookie jars, be sure to learn some identification techniques to easily spot reproduction or fake cookie jars. Not every apple cookie jar is a genuine Hull jar. Finally, join a cookie jar collecting club. It is a great way to learn more about your hobby as well as a way to make new friends. If you can't find a local collector's club, join one online, or even start one yourself!
