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Originally, Hull Pottery was made in Crooksville, Ohio, in 1905. By the 1940’s, they had had several additions to their market, including art and commercial wares. One of the most popular lines that they made during the 1940’s included their ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ line. What many people are not aware of is that many of the pieces were decorated by and later produced by the Regal China Company. Included in the ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ line were cookie jars, cracker jars, salt and peppers, teapots, sugars, creamers, hanging matchbox, lamp, a covered butter dish and several more pieces.
As with all collectibles that are in demand, reproductions are out there. As this line became increasingly popular a few years back, copies of nearly every item in the line has been reproduced. Because there are so many varied items in this line, and two major legitimate manufacturers, to tell the originals from the copies, you should become familiar with the original pieces before making any purchases. View private collections, museum pieces, or purchase one of the books that are accompanied by good photographs that are available at many bookstores nationwide, on the ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ line. One difference I have noted among pieces that I know to be originals, and several reproduction pieces I have seen; The reproduction flower decorations are larger, the lining on the edges of aprons are heavier, not shaded correctly, not as precise. Another difference I noted, was while some older pieces are ‘white’, when place next to copies, the copies are ‘too white’.
The decorations on the many pieces varied as much as the pieces themselves. Poppy flowers were favorites, poinsettias, or sprays of several different flower bunches. Gold adorns most of the line, but not in a garish fashion, just a touch here and there. On most pieces, the hair is yellow, but on a few select items-- the lamp base is one-- the hair is golden in color.
The cookie jar has several variations. Besides the different flowers that may adorn the apron, some have an open basket, others a closed basket. When looking at the cookie jar or the teapot, always check the inside of the lids for major cracks, as these were common areas to become damaged. Another thing to keep a look out for, as the flowers were decals, some ended up being applied upside down!
The salt and pepper shakers came in different sizes, including 3 ½”, 4 ½”, and 5 ½”. These were all very similar in design, other than size and decoration. The creamer was available as both a standing version that had a tab handle, larger head, and you poured from the very top of the head, off to one side, and a version, where the head appears smaller, and you poured from the front of the head. It was also available as a side pour, where a handle was on one side, and you poured out of the other. These were called, respectively, the ‘Tab Creamer’ and the ‘Head Pour Creamer’, and the ‘Side Pour Creamer’. ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ in a crawling position, the back of her dress open is a sugar bowl, or as in the side pour creamer, standing, with the side of her dress forming the open sugar bowl, is another version.
The line also consisted of pitchers that were used for milk or batter. The milk pitcher has an opening at the top of the head, with a handle off the back. The one referred to as a batter pitcher, poured from the side, with a handle off the other side. The covered butter dish, a favorite of mine, looks as if ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ is curtseying.
If you have ever collected any Hull pottery, but have yet to find any of the ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ line, don’t despair: while many pieces are expensive, there are sure to be some out there waiting to be discovered! If you are already a collector, and have all the pieces available, (Lucky You!), but still want to ‘add’ to your collection, there are items available, that while not ‘originals’, are sure to become favorites, such as Christmas ornaments and children’s tea sets. Be warned though, that this a line that once you start collecting, you will not be satisfied until you have one of each. Happy Collecting!
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