The Valuable Cookie Jar Set With Vintage Charm That Collectors Dream Of Finding

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There are some vintage pieces that can steal your heart in an instant. The Shawnee smiley pig cookie jar is one of those. It's cute, delicate, and unmistakably old-school. Plus, it's valuable enough to make a lot of collectors jealous. All the more reasons why this vintage cookie jar is worth looking out for when thrifting. 

The Shawnee Smiling Pig cookie jar (which also goes by simply "Smiley") is exactly what it sounds like: a cookie jar shaped like a happy pig. Different models vary in color and details, but the pig typically has closed eyes with long lashes, two cute ears on the side of its head, a scarf around its neck, and it's standing on its two back feet. The upper part of the pig, including its head, scarf, and shoulders, are the lid of the cookie jar, while the lower part of the body is the jar itself. There's something absolutely whimsical about this piece, from the peaceful look on the pig's face, to the cute snout, and colorful hooves. It's an absolute vintage gem. You can style it at home in a mid-century modern kitchen, in a farmhouse inspired home, or even in a maximalist kitsch-inspired interior. If you come across one, you can use it to store cookies, keep it on a shelf as a piece of decor, or resell it to collectors. 

This cookie jar is named after the company that produced it: The Shawnee Pottery Company. This vintage cookie jar brand to watch out for was an Ohio-based manufacturing company that was founded in 1937 and closed down in 1961. The company's most popular pieces are its cookie jars, among which there are several models like corn cobs, sailors, dogs, and even owls. But the Smiling Pig is the star of these jars. 

When we say this cookie jar is rare and valuable, we mean it. One of them once sold at an auction for a whooping $6,750. But don't worry, others go for anywhere between $200 and $750, depending on rarity, details, and condition. On eBay or Etsy, look for the keywords "Shawnee pottery smiling pig cookie jar" and you'll find tons of options, some of which are priced even lower than average, especially if they're damaged, chipped, or scratched. While those factors lower the value of the piece, it can still be a great addition to kitchen decor if you're not too fussy. 

If you're an avid vintage hunter and on a budget, you might be able to find cheaper models at local thrift stores and antique markets, especially if someone sells it without realizing its true value. Be patient, keep an eye out, and you might end up with a real gem on your hands. And if you can't find the smiling pig jar of your dreams, there are other Shawnee "Smiley" pieces on the market, like salt-and-pepper shakers or watering jugs. 

Before you spend the big bucks, make sure that you're dealing with the real thing. Shawnee Pottery didn't always stamp the name of the company on the bottom of cookie jars, which can make authenticating a bit trickier. The pieces should, however, have a "USA" stamp etched on the bottom, which can be an indicator that it's an original. Also, beware of reproductions that you might confuse with an original, especially since a "New Shawnee Company" popped up in the 1990s to make some similar pieces. When in doubt, ask an expert to help you assess a piece.