This updated guide points collectors to modern price-tracking tools (Kovels, WorthPoint, eBay sold listings), specialist marketplaces, digitized patents and catalogs, and collector communities. It warns about reproductions, recommends condition checks (sound test, marks inspection), and advises verifying any single reference or guide before relying on it.

Where to start

Collecting antique cookie jars mixes visual appeal, history and the need for reliable identification. Start with value guides, community resources, and primary-source scans of old catalogs and patents. Use multiple sources before you buy.

Price guides and market data

Print and online price guides still help, but market values shift. General reference sites such as Kovels and subscription services like WorthPoint track auction results and completed sales. eBay's "sold" listings and specialist marketplaces (Ruby Lane, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace) give recent sale prices and photos you can compare against.

For a pictorial reference, collectors have long used illustrated value guides. If you rely on a specific title called the "Cookie Jar Value Guide," confirm the edition and publication date before trusting prices, as values change over time.

Identifying patterns and makers

Many classic makers - Shawnee, Hull, and Red Wing among them - produced iconic jars in the 1940s-1960s. Look for makers' marks, glaze styles and production quirks. Some focused articles clarify confusing lines (for example, the various Little Red Riding Hood motif jars), so consult specialist write-ups before buying. If you consult a particular article on Little Red Riding Hood jars, verify its sourcing and date. 1

Watch for fakes and reproductions

Reproductions and modern homages appear frequently online and at flea markets. Compare condition, glaze crazing, maker's marks and mold joins. Use high-resolution photos and ask sellers for provenance or original receipts when available. Beware listings that use vague terms like "vintage style" without provenance.

Primary sources: patents, catalogs and company directories

Original patents, dealer catalogs and mail-order sheets are invaluable for attribution. Many have been digitized on archive sites (Internet Archive, Google Books) and collector blogs. There are also indexes and company directories that list pottery makers and contact information; verify any directory you use for current accuracy. 2

Community knowledge and surveys

Collector forums, Facebook groups, and subreddits dedicated to ceramics let you ask for ID help and share photos. Periodic surveys and group threads can show which jars collectors favor and which patterns hold value.

Quick condition checks at the shop

A simple sound test helps spot hairline cracks or heavy crazing: tap the jar gently with a fingernail and listen for a clear ring versus a dull thud. Also inspect the rim, lid fit and base for restoration marks.

Final tips

Cross-check any single source. Use recent auction results for current values. When in doubt, seek a second opinion from a trusted dealer or an online collector community before paying a premium.
  1. Confirm the existence, edition and current reliability of the specific title 'Cookie Jar Value Guide' and update citation.
  2. Locate and verify the specialist article that clarifies the 'Little Red Riding Hood' cookie jar genealogy.
  3. Verify availability and provenance of digitized patents/catalogs for Shawnee, Hull and Red Wing on archive sites.
  4. Confirm any widely used company index for pottery/collectibles and its current accuracy.

FAQs about Antique Cookie Jars

What online sources show recent sale prices for cookie jars?
Check eBay sold listings, WorthPoint (subscription), and specialist marketplaces like Ruby Lane and Etsy for recent completed sales and images.
How can I tell an original from a reproduction?
Compare maker's marks, glaze, mold seams, and crazing; request provenance or original receipts; consult collector forums or trusted dealers for verification.
Where can I find original catalogs or patents?
Many mid-century patents and catalogs are digitized on sites such as Internet Archive and Google Books. Search those archives for manufacturer names and model numbers.
Is there a quick shop test for damage?
Yes. Tap the jar gently with a fingernail - the sound should be clear. A dull sound can indicate hairline cracks or heavy crazing. Also inspect lid fit and the base for restorations.
Should I rely on one value guide?
No. Values change. Compare multiple sources - price guides, recent auction results, and market listings - before making a purchase.