Q: My mother-in-law gave us a beautiful green Hull baking dish and I’m trying to get some information about it. It looks like something I’d love to bake with but I’m not sure if I can still use it and what temperature would be safe. It says ”Oven-Proof Hull USA No. 28-8” on the bottom.
A: Hull pottery was made in Crooksville, Ohio, from 1905 to 1986. Hull began making ”oven-proof” pottery in the 1930s. This 8-inch baking dish, with a handle and lid, marked ”No. 28-8,” is usually described as a Dutch oven. It should be safe to use in the oven at normal baking temperatures, usually not higher than 400 degrees, if there are no cracks. It sells online for $19 to $24.
Q: We are arguing. Who made the Little Red Riding Hood cookie jars?
A: Hull Pottery Co. of Crooksville, Ohio, made the Little Red Riding Hood line of dishes and accessories patented in 1943. But pieces were sent to the Royal China and Novelty Co. of Chicago to be decorated. Then they were sent back to Hull to be sold. Some experts argue that only a few of the Little Red Riding Hood shapes were made by Hull and that the rest were made by Regal China Corp., a subsidiary of Royal. These experts say the china from Royal was whiter, and some Red Riding Hood cookie jars have a white body rather than Hull’s creamier body. At least 30 different decorations were applied on the cookie jars. A recent reproduction is marked “McCoy.”
Q: Please tell me what you can about this tea set. The pieces are marked “Hull” on the bottom.
A: The A.E. Hull Pottery Company operated in Crooksville, Ohio, from 1905 until 1986. It is probably best known for its Little Red Riding Hood kitchen wares, including cookie jars and salt and pepper sets. But Hull made art wares, novelties, dinnerware, lamp bases, and a variety of other kitchen wares in many patterns. Your tea set is an example of Hull’s “Blossom Flite” line of art ware. The line was manufactured in 1955-56 and also included candle holders, vases, flower bowls, ewers, and console bowls. Some pieces were made with blue highlights on the outside and metallic green interiors. Your tea set is valued at $200-$240.
Letters from readers help us keep track of the changing world of antiques and collectibles. We wish we could answer all questions individually, but that just isn’t possible. We do read every letter, but only a limited number of questions of general interest are answered. Values given are average for the type of antique, not a specific appraisal. No questions about coins, stamps, books or oil paintings, please. Send written questions to P.O. Box 22200, Beachwood, OH 44122. Photos should be in focus and processed by a traditional photo lab; computer-generated prints on regular paper cannot be used. We try extra hard for subscribers, so include your newsletter label and a large, self-addressed, stamped envelope. Email questions and digital photos using this form. We regret that we cannot return any photos. We retain the right to use them in this publication or other Kovel forums, regardless of medium. Please do not send old letters, cards or papers of value. Sometimes research takes time, so please be patient.