'Tokay' vase is one of best in Hull line, worth nearly $350

Dear Helaine and Joe: Enclosed please find a photograph of a pitcher given to me by my great aunt. On the bottom is written "Tokay, U. S. A., 13." It is in perfect condition with no chips or cracks. Any information about its maker, history and monetary value would be appreciated. Thank you. —S.M.M., Oldtown, Md.

Dear S.M.M.: With the mark reported, it might be a little hard to determine the manufacturer of this piece unless you just happen to know that this particular pattern was made by the A.E. Hull Pottery Co. of Crooksville, Ohio.

Addis Emmett Hull began his business life at the turn of the 20th century as a traveling salesman representing the Star Stonery Co., which was a manufacturer of stoneware that was owned by J.J. Hull, A.E.'s brother.

This did not last long because the younger Hull soon realized that there was a lot of money to be made in this kind of pottery and he (and others) established the Globe Stoneware Co. in 1901.

Hull sold his interest in Globe in 1905 and established the A.E. Hull Pottery Co. on China Street in Crooksville that same year. In 1907, the company expanded by buying the Acme Pottery Co., which was primarily a dinnerware manufacturer owned by a group which included Hull's brother, J.J.

Initially, A.E. Hull Pottery produced stoneware, dinnerware, kitchenware and sanitary ware, but in the late 1930s, they began producing matte finished commercial art wares, and these are the products that are of most interest to the majority of current collectors of Hull pottery. Unfortunately, in June, 1950, a flood swept through the Hull factory, and when water came into contact with the hot kilns they exploded, the building ignited, and the factory was no more.

Hull rebuilt and reopened in 1952, but the new equipment could not recreate the matte glazes that previously had been used on the commercial art wares.

As a result, new art lines were introduced, many with high-gloss glazes. Hull continued these and other products until 1985 when operations ceased.

The piece owned by S.M.M. is from a Hull line named "Tokay," which was first made in 1958. As the name suggests, "Tokay" had embossed purple grapes, and green leaves on a cream background with a light green bottom and a "Sweet Pink" top. Most pieces had handles, and these were shaped like grape vines.