McCoy Mammy Cookie Jars

McCoy Mammy Cookie Jars play a significant role in Black American memorabilia. They began in a time when such depictions were acceptable, then went out of circulation when social conditions changed. Eventually they resurfaced, both originals and reproductions, thanks to the boom in the antique and vintage collectibles.

Two Types of Jars:

McCoy made two Mammy jars, one of which is cold painted, featuring Cauliflowers, and relatively rare (value can go as high as $1,000).

The second jar is a mold of Mammy the 1944 version reading, "Dem cookies show am good". In 1948 the wording was changed to read simply "Cookies". There were three colors - yellow, aqua blue and white. There are rumors that there was a third mold with alternative wording, but that product never reached beyond the planning stages.

Real or Fake?

Unfortunately several unscrupulous companies have made knockoffs of the McCoy Mammy cookie jar, making it harder for collectors to be certain they have the real deal. Some sellers may simply not know they have a replica, while others do know it and use very careful wording in their auctions to try and fool the novice collector. Just because a jar says McCoy on the bottom does NOT insure that its real. In fact, the vast majority of online auctions offer reproductions or knock-off mammy's, and not all of them SAY so. Be wary if the seller has an iffy history on the jar or if the small cracks in the paint look even and dark.

Some Specifications:

McCoy made Mammy Cookie Jars between 1944 and 1957. They are marked McCoy and stand exactly 11" in height. These jars are not plentiful so if a seller has dozens of them, they're likely fraudulent. This cookie jar has some heft to it - it won't feel light in your hands.

When you're buying online - always be wary. Check your seller's feedback. Generally if you're not sure you have a real McCoy Mammy cookie jar it's best to hold off until you're certain the piece is real. The only time a knockoff is "ok" is (a) it's sold as one with a suitable price for an imitation, and (b) you want it to round a collection temporarily until you find a real Mammy.

Pricing:

Pricing on Mammy cookie jars vary. I found the white cold paint version for about $300 on average in relatively good condition (the knock of off this Mammy sells for about $30).

Here are the current listings on eBay: