The Acme Pottery Company was in production from 1903-1905.
Acme Pottery specialized in semi-porcelain dinnerware.
It was acquired in 1907 by Addis E. Hull. Addis E. Hull
founded Hull Pottery in 1905 in Zanesville, Ohio. Until
1907 it specialized in stoneware. A line of artware,
florist pots, kitchenware, tiles, and a full line of
stoneware was produced by 1920.
After the stock market crash of 1929, production of tiles
was the emphasis. In the mid to late 30's, the matte
pastel finish in the art pottery was growing and continued
until the 1950's, when the plant was destroyed by a flood.
A fire was started by the kilns exploding caused by the
water.
The plant was rebuilt with more modern equipment. When it
was discovered the matte glaze could not be duplicated with
the newer equipment, concentration on high gloss lines,
figural planters, novelties, banks, and dinnerware was
produced in the late 1950's and 1960's.
Through the 1940's their floral artware flooded the market.
This was due to the restrictions of imports. Their lines
included the matte glaze and high gloss. One of the most
successful pieces was the Red Riding Hood cookie jar,
patented in 1943. It was designed by Louise Bauer. It
was discovered later that most of these pieces were pro-
duced by Regal China, not Hull. None the less, it was
credited and sold by Hull. It was such a success, that an
entire line was produced, which consisted of figural
kitchenware and novelty items. They continued to be pro-
duced until the 1950's.
By the mid 1970's dinnerware and floristware was the
mainstay of the company. The company closed in 1985.
MARKS
Early marks consists of a capital "H" in either a circle or
a diamond impressed. The word "Hull", "Hull Art", or
"Hull Ware" with "USA" in block letters or script, with the
shape number and size, either raised or impressed, was the
later marks.
WARNING!
There are some Mexican cookie jars that are being produced
that closely resemble Hull's. They are slightly smaller in
size and height. Also, gold decals are being added and
refired.
