Calif Pottery Cache Pot Age?

Hi all,

I've been trying to learn more about USA pottery. I came across this wonky little planter, marked Calif USA, and then something like "Floracal." I can't find anything about the mark. It's about 4" high and 4" at the lip. The unglazed outside, shape, and pattern 'feel' early to me (30s? 40s?), but I can't find anything similar to compare to. For all I know it's 60s.

So, question: What do you do when you come across a piece like this? I've checked the online listings I know of. Are there reference books you've used that aren't mfg specific? Are there certain things I should look for to indicate dates? I don't mind digging, the history is half the fun for me.

Thanks!

 

I could not find a "Floracal" pottery in Lehner's book on US marks, but it was easy to find an example with good pictures of the mark and a 70s estimate (which I think is pretty reasonable.) See this listing which has great pictures. https://www.etsy.com/listing/769976...how_sold_out_detail=1&ref=nla_listing_details

 

This seller believes it's midcentury:

https://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/703343974/vintage-mid-century-modern-floracal-usa

From other Floracal shapes I could find it looks like they made planters and planting dishes rather than art pottery. I have several books on California pottery and also Lehner's Encyclopedia of US Marks and couldn't find the company mentioned in any of them. Due to the limited shapes I could find and the colors offered I believe it was probably a short lived company producing items for the floral trade. The colors offered would indicate operation circa 1970. This is all speculation on my part but
I thought it might help you to see the reasoning I used.

 

Thank you!! Yep, I was looking for the reasoning/researching process. This little guy will likely go back to the thrift store, just trying to get better at identification.