Deidra and I found two Mayfair cookie jars when we went antiquing, one authentic and one this dark green reproduction. This was an easy fake to spot because the color was completely wrong, a dark emerald green instead of the light green with slight yellow cast that Hocking used for Mayfair.
This is the fake.
Reproduction Mayfair Green Cookie Jar
Obvious reproductions like this are beneficial because we can study them to identify any other tell tale clues we can apply if the color isn’t so obvious. We covered tell-tale clues last post here, let’s summarize and show the difference with the real one.
Base: Smooth vs. Mold Circle
Authentic Mayfair cookie jars have a mold circle that you can see or feel on the bottom that’s about 1 3/4 inches across. The bottoms on reproductions are smooth, no mold circle.
Lid: Curved vs. Flat Outside Line
This next clue is a bit harder to describe than it is to see in a photo. Look at the outside ridge that runs along the long side of the rim on the lid; it’s highlighted. See how it curves? It looks like a summation sign.
Top of Fake Mayfair Green Cookie Jar
Here’s the lid on the authentic Mayfair jar. Notice how the same line is flat, almost straight.
Authentic Mayfair Pink Depression Glass Cookie Jar Marshall June 23 2016
Reproduction pink jars are about the right color, not so obviously off that you can immediately spot them as fakes. Use these tips to be sure.
Luanne’s Cookie Jar – Real or Repro?
Luanne sent me a photo of her Mayfair cookie jar, a pretty find from Goodwill. She wondered whether it was reproduced.
Pink Depression? – Biscuit Jar Lid from Luanne
What do you think? Real or repro?