25 years shopping thrift stores, estate, garage, rummage, flea markets and tag sales. 10 years in interior design. Current DIY projects have been renovating two turn-of-the century brownstones and commercial/residential property development. 
(4.33 out of 5)▪ McCoy’s Floraline: Today’s Collectible, Tomorrow’s Antique
March 23rd, 2006 by markdownmomAlthough McCoy has manufactured this line from the 1940’s to 1970’s, Floraline became commercially popular in the 1960’s for McCoy with the floral industry. The molds were simple in design and were produced for companies such as FTD and Teleflora.
Colors were limited to the popular white and green. Although you can find character pieces and artisan pieces with more intricate designs, MDM particularly likes the simplicity of this line since it fits into both modern design, minimalist, and arts and crafts.
These photos show a bud vase that came in green(shown), white and yellow tan. With a retail price under $20 they are highly collectible. MDM found this pair at two different thrift stores and paid between $2 and $3 each. Another style and one that Martha Stewart displays in her paint brochures is the Dozen Roses Vase in white which is similar to this style except that it has a small pedestal foot at the bottom and retails for around $25. Because these items are not rare as yet, the likelihood of finding Floraline items is good.
It is always better to find a pair since a set is more preferable and therefore more valuable. However, don’t hesitate to collect just one, chances are you will be able to find another one in the same color–it is only a matter of time.
Marks. This second photo shows one of the marks used by the manufacturer. Note that although this line is definitely McCoy, there is no McCoy mark only Floraline. Some McCoy pieces do not have any identifying mark on the bottom except a "USA" and pattern number. That is why it is necessary for bargain hunters to acquaint themselves with the style and history of these american potters.
Remember condition is important, therefore, because there are a number of these items still around, only accept flawless items. Since this can still be a thrift store or garage sale find, It is a very affordable collectible right now and with its simple design, a versatile addition to any decor.
As MDM says this is a better thing, this is a better buy and now is the time to collect it.
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June 15th, 2006 at 11:40 am
i love this article! where would you recommend i go to find them?
Thanks Davia! The first thing I would recommend is to get a good book on McCoy pottery. Check your local library or bookstore such as Barnes & Noble. This way you can become familiar with the Floraline style and look. Then I would be on the look-out at thrift stores such as Goodwill, Salvation Army and garage and church sales. You may want to go to http://www.shopgoodwill.com which is an online auction site for Goodwill stores and can save a lot of time and energy when you are looking for a specific item, and reference books come in handy so that you do not overbid. Have fun on the hunt, you now are a member of our bargain hunters group. Really appreciate your visiting my site and i will be doing more articles on inexpensive collectibles in the future. Again, thanks for the kind words, MarkdownMom.