Zeynepkaya/Getty Images
Thrifting is such a fun way to spend a Saturday. Browsing the shelves for hidden gems and sifting through racks of retro clothes to find your next party look is so relaxing. But sometimes, the stuff you come across at thrift stores can actually be super valuable and have a really interesting history behind it. When it comes to pottery, one find that thrifters dream of is pieces made by the McCartys. This brand’s story goes back to the 1950s, when Lee and Pup McCarty took a pottery class and discovered a new passion. At the time, they lived in Oxford, Mississippi and got to know the writer William Faulkner, who let them dig clay from his land for their projects.
After setting up a pottery studio in a mule barn in Lee’s hometown of Merigold, Lee and Pup spent years pouring their hearts and stories into their creations. They did everything themselves, from digging the clay to adding the final glaze. McCarty pottery is defined by its quality and the love between this married couple who worked side-by-side for decades.
McCarty pieces have made their way around the world, with items on display in Japan, Germany, and Paris. If you happen to spot a McCarty at a thrift store, you could be looking at a real score. Smaller, more common pieces can sell for $100-$200. But rare finds have gone for around $10,000 at auctions.
