Trials, Samples and Experimental Pieces

Hull Pottery produced a variety of wares during its existence from utilitarian ware to art pottery to novelty items to dinnerware.  Many collectors focus on collecting a certain line of Hull Pottery, such as Bow Knot, while others focus on patterns or colors.  One fun and interesting area of Hull Pottery collecting is collecting the trail, sample or experimental pieces.  These pieces range from production mold pieces with experimental glazes to new shapes.

While these pieces were probably never meant to leave the factory, many in fact did and show up on the current market.  For example: the pictured tumbler was used to test a glaze before the glaze went into production. It was purchased at a garage sale.

Prices for these pieces vary depending on the style, color and rarity.  While many pieces are marked, many are not. Prices for this pieces vary. Studying the variety of Hull Pottery reference books available (check for them on Amazon) will give Hull collectors a good idea of what to look for when it comes to trail, sample or experimental pieces.

This tumbler was used to test a glaze before the glaze was used for production.