Vintage Mary Had a Little Lamb Cookie Jar Set (Pair)
Unbranded (Likely Metlox Potteries or Napco style) · Kitchenware > Collectible Cookie Jars
Era / Decade
1950s-1960s (Mid-Century Americana)
Material
Glazed Ceramic/Pottery; high-gloss cold paint accents
Condition
Good to Very Good; visible shelf wear on bases and minor paint loss common for cold-painted ceramics of this era.
Demand Level
Moderate to High; strong niche market for vintage nursery-style kitchen decor.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$60.00 - $125.00 (as a pair)
Estimated Retail Value
$25.00 - $40.00 (original value adjusted for inflation)
Comparable Sales
Single Mary jars often sell for $35-$50; complete sets in excellent condition have fetched over $100 on platforms like eBay and Mercari.
Description
A charming pair of vintage Mid-Century cookie jars featuring 'Mary Had a Little Lamb.' The set includes a girl in a yellow dress holding a lamb and a matching boy figure with a lamb. Highly decorative with a glossy finish and classic storybook aesthetic.
Key Features
Rare to find as a complete matching pair; highly collectible nursery rhyme theme; vibrant yellow and white color palette; kitschy Mid-Century appeal.
Authenticity Indicators
Check for 'Japan' or 'USA' stamps on the bottom. Heavy weight and deep glaze are indicators of mid-century quality. Confidence: Medium-High.
Flaws to Note
Look for 'cold paint' flaking on the lambs' eyes or Mary's hair; check for hairline cracks in the glaze (crazing) and chips around the inner rim of the lids.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (for national reach), Etsy (ideal for vintage home decor shoppers), or high-end Antique Malls.
Selling Tips
Photograph the interiors to show they are clean. Use keywords like 'Kitsch,' 'Nursery Rhyme,' and 'Grandmacore.' Double-box for shipping to prevent breakage.