My Favorite Quotes

  1. "Whatever you do, do it well."



  2. "Of all the things I ever lost, I miss my mind the most."



  3. "The box says: 'Shut up Steve'."

About Me

My photo
Married with six children and 11 grandchildren. retired from USN in 1988 with 30 years of active service.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Pottery Update - United Airlines, Noritake, Furnivals

bullhornIt seems to be getting harder and harder for me to keep posting here on a timely basis. Trying to get my Atomic Mall listings in compliance with Google's new marketplace policies has taken a little setback. I was trying to get everything cleaned up by stripping my listings of anything that google considers non-compliant and at the same time adding an attribute to show the shipping weight of each item in an attached attribute. Google has two approved ways to enter weight either pounds or the abbreviation lbs. I choose pounds. A week later Atomic Mall updated their software to make attribute listing simpler. This is a great update, but unfortunately (for me) they choose lbs and the weight attribute from the 800 listings I had corrected all disappeared and I will have to do them over. Oh well live and learn. At least the corrections are a lot simpler because of this great update by the Mall. I bought one piece and sold one since my last post.

Noritake United Airlines Entree Plates
Nortake United Airlines Entree Plate - click for full size viewFirst my lonely sale, a lot of three United Airlines Entree plates manufactured by Noritake.7 3/4" x 6 5/8" x 1 3/8", small abstract gray splash design. One side has a small lip Probably made to make handling easier for the flight attendants. This Pattern was made by Noritake exclusively for United Airlines. Excellent used condition with a very minor utensil scratches and bottom wear. Leftovers from the days when airlines actually tried to please their passengers by serving lavish full course meals on real china.

Historical Data -- The Noritake Company was established in the village of Noritake near Nagoya Japan by Baron Morimura in January 1904. Today it is one of the premier makers of fine China in the world.

More Airline China at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

More Noritake at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

All Noritake articles in this blog



Furnivals Blue Quail Serving Bowl
Furnivals Blue Quail Serving Bowl - click for full size viewNow for my lonely purchase. Pickings were very slim at the Swap Meet on Sunday and I ended up with a Furnivals Blue Quail Oval Serving Bowl. It does have a small under rim chip, but the price I paid for this bowl that has a current replacement value of $90.00 was so low that I had to have it.

This has an all white body with a scalloped edge, blue floral border with a blue scene showing a pair of browsing quail in the center well. This is 8 5/8" x 6 1/2" x 1 3/4" bowl. Unfortunately a small under rim chip takes away from the otherwise excellent condition of this vintage piece. This is the smaller of the two sizes that this bowl was issued in. The larger is 9" and has a slightly higher value.

Furnivals at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

Furnivals articles in this blog


Thanks for listening... ☺☺☺☺

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Swap Meet Pottery - Franciscan, Metlox, Danbury Mint, Royal Worchester, Royal (USA), NASCO (USA)

Swap Meet SignA great day at the swap meet today. This is the first time in a long time I have had to go back to pickup merchandise that I just couldn't carry the first time in my trusty vintage Kipling backpack. I just wish I didn't have so much cleanup to do on my listings to get into compliance with googles new Marketplace Policies, but I guess that's just the way it is. I won't get around to listing these for a while and there are some super items in this buy.

Franciscan Platinum Band (Encanto Shape)
Franciscan Platinum Trim Creamer-click for full size viewWell today I'm starting right off with the find of the day. A mixed lot of Franciscan Platinum Band Fine China from their Encanto (Coupe shape) Line. This pattern was also made in their Merced (Rim shape) Line. This lot was a steal. It had around $1000.00 in replacement value, but as soon as I unpacked it and turned my back one of my 4 legged stock room assistants broke the gravy boat so now it's only around $900.00. Still a bargain considering what I paid (Top Secret). I had a few choice words for the cat which I cannot repeat here because this is not an adult site. I haven't seen him since.

Platinum Band is the pattern name and it is just that. Ivory body with platinum trim and highlights, coupe shape. Issued from 1951 to 1981. Designed by Franciscan's design director Mary K. Grant.

This Lot now consists of 6 dinner plates, 8 cup sets, sugar bowl w/lid, creamer, 3 fruit bowls, 5 salad plates, 8 bread plates, an oval vegetable bowl and a 12" platter.

Historical Data -- Gladding, McBean and Company started in 1875. The company grew and acquired other potteries. They made sewer pipes, floor tiles, dinnerwares, and art pottery with a variety of trademarks. In 1934, dinnerware and art pottery were sold under the name Franciscan Ware. The company became Interpace Corporation and in 1979 was purchased by Josiah Wedgwood & Sons. The plant was closed in 1984 and all production was moved to England.

More Franciscan at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall



Metlox Sculptured Zinnia
Metlox Sculptured Zinnia Divided Bowl - click for full size viewNext out of the box was a couple of pieces of Metlox Sculptured Zinnia. A round divided vegetable bowl and a 14 1/4" platter (This is the larger of the two platters in this pattern. Sculptured Zinnia was one on the patterns in the second group of traditional shapes issued by Metlox from their Poppytrail Division. In addition to the basic pattern, zinnia was also issued in three color variations Lavender Blue & Memories (both designed by Helen McIntosh) and Floralace (a citron yellow body with snow white flowers). Sculptured Zinnia was issued from 1964-1979.

A company brochure describes Sculptured Zinnia: "So bold and different, and understandably right in fashion, because flowers have always been used for beautiful table settings. The Zinnias are carved with minute attention to detail, and hand painted in the luxurious combination of yellow-gold, orange, greens, and browns, against a cream-white background."

I was particularly pleased to get these two pieces because I am a big fan of California Pottery and I have been sold out of Sculptured Zinnia for a long time.

Historical Data -- The beginning of Metlox Manufacturing Company dates back to 1927 in Manhattan Beach, Ca when Willis and T. C. Prouty became interested in producing the ceramic portion of neon signs.Metlox Manufacturing Company was incorporated in the state of California in 1933. Metlox Manufacturing Company's incorporation was terminated on January 4, 1988.

More Metlox at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall



Danbury Mint Sailing Ship Tankards (10 different)
Danbury Mint Ship Tankard - click for full size viewThe first item I bought today was a box of ten different Danbury Mint Sailing Ship Tankards. Usually I steer clear of collectibles like these, but being an old sailor, I just couldn't resist the temptation.

So far I haven't found out much about these. From the bottom mark I know that there were 12 in the set so I am missing 2. Since I will offer them individually the missing items are no big deal. Also from the mark I know that the artist apparently was named Robert Devereaux and that the artwork appears to have been done on commission from Danbury Mint. I have not been able to find any information about him. Other than that I see a couple of the tankards offered on line but with no additional information.

The ten that I do have are: Bon Homme Richard, Cutty Sark, Sea Witch, Victory, Flying Cloud, Mayflower, Golden Hind, Santa Maria, Constitution and Half Moon.

Historical Data - The Danbury Mint is a world leader in the design and development of fine collectibles.

For over three decades, they have been serving the needs of collectors to acquire keepsakes of lasting meaning, beauty and importance. They take great pride and pleasure in presenting collectors and enthusiasts with a varied and ever-changing assortment of quality products.

*** This item was removed from my store as a gift to a friend. ***


Royal Worcester Cabbage Patch Kids Bowl
Royal Worcester Cabbage Patch Kids Bowl - click for full size viewNext, A Royal Worcester Cabbage Patch Kids Bowl. This is another item that I normally would have passed on, but I have a lot of memories of my wife making custom made clothes for these Cabbage Patch Dolls and selling them at our local swap meet when they were the "in" toy. I was surprised to see that this piece was mad by Royal Worcester. A company that I am very familiar with.

Historical Data -- Royal Worcester has been made by the Worcester Porcelain Company in Worcester, England from 1862 to present.

More Royal Worcester at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


Royal China (USA) Bucks County Dinner Plates
Royal China (USA) Bucks County Dinner Plate - click for full size view
I have sold Royal China Bucks County plates before and so I was more than happy to pick some up at a decent price. These are 10" diameter dinner plates and have a pastel yellow background with dark brown designs depicting early American farm life. Pennsylvania Dutch style flowers and dancers circle the rim.

Historical Data - Royal China operated in Ohio from 1934 to 1986. Royal was purchased by Jeanette Glass in 1969 but continued to operate with Royal marks.

More Royal China (USA) at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


NASCO (USA) Fascination Plates
NASCO USA Fascination Dinner Plate - click for full viewThose of you that have followed my blog for a while should know that I am a sucker for almost any pottery that I have never seen before or even better never heard of either, These plates are marked NASCO and while I have seen and sold lots of NASCO pottery in the past it has always been Japanese made. As a matter of note, this pattern was also made in Japan with an all white body instead of the mustard color.

More NASCO at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


As usual I will add pics and info as I research and list.
Thanks for listening...☺☺☺☺

Friday, September 25, 2009

More Problems with Google

Sorry to have had to abandon this blog for a while, but I am forced to make some changes in my Atomic Mall listings in order to comply with new Google rules for listings to be placed in their Shopping search. I have to make these corrections one at a time and it will probably take me about two weeks. I will still be making entries here but they will be spotty at best. I just wanted to let everyone know that I was still here.
Thanks for listening..... ☺☺☺☺

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Pottery Sale - Fukagawa

Not much to report today. I did have a sale and checked out Goodwill when I went to ship it, but nothing there caught my eye.
Fukagawa Maple Serving Bowl
Fukagawa Maple Serving Bowl - click for full size viewDescription -- Pattern 905. 9 1/4" diameter. Red, rust & gold leaves on branches, gold trim. Overall excellent used condition except for a small stain on the side and trim wear. (It appears to be a rub of some kind). Estimated replacement value $39.99. I should point out that there were two different maple patterns. This one is 905 and has a coupe shape with three leaf colors on the branches. The other is 505 which is rim shaped and has all red maple leaves on black branches.

Historical Data -- In 1894 the modern Fukagawa company was founded in Arita by Chuji Fukagawa, with the Fukagawa trade mark of Mount Fuji and a stream, as its trade mark. The Fukagawa company has served as purveyor for the Japanese Imperial Household since 1910 and only produces white true high temperature porcelain.

My thanks to the buyer in Oakland and I hope she enjoys this fine example of Japanese dinnerware.

More Fukagawa at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


That's all for today folks! Thanks for listening.... ☺☺☺☺

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Swap Meet Pottery - CAPSCO, Hoenig of California, Josefs Originals

Swap Meet SignQuick trip to the swap meet because today is football day and that takes precedence over business in this house. The Raiders - Chiefs game is tied 3-3 at the half. I think I have time for my old guy nap before the Chargers - Ravens game starts. In the order of importance nap takes precedence over non-chargers games.

Well, my nap is over and so is the Charger Game a hard fought battle, but in the end the Chargers couldn't overcome the injuries suffered in last weeks Raiders Game and we lost. But, as they say: "There's always next week."

Anyway, back to business. I didn't find much at the swap meet, but I did pick up a few things just to do some research on them.

CAPSCO Washington D.C. Wall Plate
click for full sizeDescription -- Rim shape. 10 3/4" diameter. Beautiful multicolored design on white body. Various Washington, D.C. landmarks on the sloping verge and the Capitol building in center. This is a great souvenir plate of the Capitol. Excellent used condition with no chips, cracks or crazing.

Historical Data -- Mr. Jacob Goozh immigrated from Europe to the U.S. in 1914. In coming years he started a photography business (The Empire Photo Studio), primarily serving tourists in the Washington, D.C. area. In 1931, the name was changed To The Capitol Souvenir Company (CAPSCO). The company contracted with many small pottery companies to produce his Washington D.C. Souvenirs and handled the production end of his post card company in house in the photo studio.

More CAPSCO at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


Hoenig of California Ashtray
Hoenig of California Ashtray - click for full size viewWalking back to start my second walkthru (I always go through twice just to make sure I didn't miss a seller who came in since my first run), I saw an unusual ashtray that I had to check out. Turns out it was a Hoenig of California piece that was hand painted by Vee Jackson. I have never had any Hoenig items so I had to buy it.
Description -- California Pottery. 10 1/2" diameter, avacado green with stylized gold waves. Hand decorated by Vee Jackson. Good used condition with no cracks or crazing, but there are two small chips in the foot ring have no impact on stability or appearance. "Lou Hoenig G9 Calif USA" incised under glaze on bottom. Additional mark "Hand Decorated" "Vee Jackson" California USA" stamped in gold. Fine example of Vintage California Pottery.

Historical Data -- I have been unable to find any information on Hoenig of California. Vee Jackson was a respected California Artist who appears to have designed or decorated ware for a number of Southern California potteris in the mid century.

Hoenig of California at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall



Josefs Originals November Birthday Girl
click for full sizeI don't really know why I bought this last item. I'm not really into collectible figurines, but the seller was a garage saler and although I am familiar with Josefs Originals I have never had one and was uncertain about value. I figured it was worth the buck she was asking. It is a November Birthday Girl and very nice, unfortunately it has a small chip on the back of the flower basket which I had missed. I don't know if I'll list it or not, but I do want to do a little more research.


I'll add pictures and info as time permits.

Thanks for listening....

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Swap Meet Pottery -Bauer, Yakumo, Syracuse, Mason's

Swap Meet SignWell, just to make a good day better, I really made what I consider to be some great finds at the swap meet this morning. My poor little "very vintage" backpack was really tired by the time we got home. The weather was also perfect (another plus). Here is a rundown on the loot as I found it. As usual pictures and listings will come later.

Bauer Seashell Serving or Snack Bowls
click for full size imageMy first find was a lot of three Bauer Los Angeles Bowls. They are off-white with Gold ribbed highlights on the rim and tab handles. This gives them the appearance of sea shells. They are 8 3/8" Handle to handle x 8 1/2" wide x 3" deep. They seem to be too large for cereal or soup bowls so I am calling them serving bowls. I looked thorough literally hundreds of Bauer bowls online but could not find anything like these. They are clearly inscribed in a large triangle "BAUER" "CALIF" "USA" on the bottom. All are in excellent condition except for one bowl which has a small chip in the foot ring which I do not consider significant.

Historical Data -- Starting in Louisville, Kentucky, and then flourishing in Los Angeles, California, J. A. Bauer Pottery Company created simple, yet beautiful stoneware from the late 1880s to the early 1960s. With lines ranging from redware flowerpots to brilliantly colored dinnerware, Bauer Pottery was a staple in American homes for many decades.

Today, the work of J.A. Bauer has been reintroduced by a ceramics studio in Los Angeles, located just minutes from the original plant. The new Bauer line, Bauer 2000, is being produced using original pieces as models, with an emphasis on items originally manufactured by Bauer in the 1930s and 40s. To the best of my knowledge all of their ware is marked "2000".

More Bauer at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

Syracuse SY178 Restaurant ware Chop Plates
click for full size viewNext up, in a box of plates I saw three Syracuse Cherry Blossom Chop Plates (replacements designates these SY178). I thought they were dinner plates until I got home and realized that I already have some of the dinner plates listed and they are only 10" diameter while these chops are 11 1/4". They have a white scalloped body with beautiful pink blossoms and vivid black branches. This is a very nice pattern in the world of restaurant ware.

Historical Data -- Syracuse China, located in Lyncourt, New York (a suburb of Syracuse), was founded in 1871 as Onondaga Pottery Company (O.P. Co.) in the town of Geddes next to Syracuse and is still producing to this day. Initially a producer of earthenware, in the late 19th century, O.P.Co., under President James Pass, developed a new china body and won the medal for translucent china at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. In 1897 production turned to the vitreous china body. Its first colored china body, "Old Ivory," appeared in 1926. The company thrived with its hotel and railroad sales. The narrow-bodied "Econo-Rim" was tailored for the cramped table space of dining cars. Highly sought after collectible patterns sell regularly on eBay and at estate sales. The company was renowned for its fine china designs until 1970 when it limited its production to mostly restaurant dinnerware. They purchased the Mayer China Co and the Shenango China Co in 1984. In 1995, Libbey Inc. of Toledo, Ohio purchased the Syracuse China Company to complement its strong presence in the food service industry. My best information is that Libbey is closing the plant in 2009 and will manufacture off shore with the Syracuse trademark.

All Syracuse Articles in this blog

More Syracuse at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

Mason's Ironstone Creamer
click for full size viewFor the third time in a month I spotted an older piece of Masons Patented Ironstone. A little octagon shaped cream pitcher with a snake shaped handle. There is a piece snapped off of the handle bottom and a crack in the handle top which does not go all the way through. Very vivid blue/orange/red floral design all around. It is 3 3/4" high.

Historical Data -- Mason's Ironstone Chine was created in 1968 by the acquisition of G.L. Ashworth & Bros in the Broad Street Works in Hanley, Staffordshire area.

All Mason's Ironstone Articles in this blog

More Mason's Ironstone at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


Yakumo Dragonware Tea Set

click for full size viewclick for full size view

Finally the find of the day, An almost complete Yakumo Dragonware Tea Set. This is a wonderful work of art. It is just garish enough to be beautiful. I have the Teapot, sugar and creamer with lids. three saucers, four cups with lithophane Geisha (Empress) heads in the bottom and finally six dessert plates. All pieces have moriage slip and gold gild designs. More on this great find later.

click for full size view

Yakumo at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall



Thanks for listening... ☺☺☺☺

Happy Days Are Here Again

Happy Days
It is truely a happy day. My Atomic Mall listings are back in the Google Shopping Data Base. My deepest appreciation goes out to Mike (the webmaster at Atomic Mall).

Friday, September 18, 2009

Poetry 101 - Expectations

Poetry 101All of the current problems that I am having with my Atomic Mall Store because of the new google feed rules have been driving me nuts. Then I remembered this poem from years ago that I had written when I was having some issues over which I had no control and no choice but to sit and wait for others to take care of them. Same situation I'm in now. Reading it has calmed me down a little and I pass it along to anyone else who may be interested. Feel free to share it if you want.


EXPECTATIONS

Why do I feel so bad
Or maybe even sad.

When others do not do
The things I want them to.

I need to reconsider
Why I do feel so bitter.

I know I don't control
How others walk or stroll.

My life alone I need to heed
Let others march to their own creed.

So hard to need another
To help you like a mother.

We were all made to want
Someone to lean on even haunt.

So hard to love without demands
Not to touch with heated hands.

To retreat back into self
And fence back out the masses.

A danger there I do not want
It makes my blood molasses.

I guess there is no answer here
Life's always frought with fear.

The pain I feel may not be nice
But feeling not would hurt me twice.


The Old Guy
14 Mar 2001

Thanks for listening.... ☺☺☺☺

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Disaster Strikes Again

Disaster Once again as soon as On line sales start to climb for the fall holiday season disaster has reached out an swept all the little people under the carpet. I don't want to sound like a conspiracy theory nut, but it is very suspicious how some new rule or the other to target those of us who sell on the alternative sites to the big guy always shows up around this time of the year. This time it is a new rule that takes away the capability to control our search engine feeds to the Google Product search and force the site web masters to submit the site as one entity. If this transition is successful things may go back to normal in a week or so, but the site I was on last year really never recovered. I have a lot of faith in the folks at Atomic Mall so I am going to wait and see. Right now I basically am disconnected from Google Shopping and the few listings I can find in the basic google search are buried. I will continue trying to list and refine my store in order to make it more buyer friendly, but I am pretty unhappy about all of this right now.

A little later. The situation is still unchanged and I am still ticked off, but into every storm a ray of sun must shine or something like that. Disconnected from the search engines or not I made a sale. An old customer must have realized I needed cheering up and purchased a Metlox Colorstax Fruit/Berry Bowl.
Don't be discouraged, we have more. Metlox Colorstax at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

More Later..... Thanks for listening ☺☺☺☺

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Pottery Buy & Sell Salem Shakers, English Bone Dishes

Today was a mixed bag on the pottery front. I went to the swap meet and made a single buy. To say that it was quiet would be a gross understatement. The other side of that coin is that I did make a small but welcome sale.

Salem Biscayne Salt & Pepper Shakers

click to zoom Salem Biscayne S & P ShakersFirst the sale, a few months ago I bought a small mixed lot of Salem Biscayne and I think this is the first sale from it. Description -- Ovenproof, white body, blue tops. Blue/Beige leaves, pink flowers. Salt 1 3/4" diameter x 3 1/4" tall. Pepper 1 1/2" diameter x 2 7/8" tall. Excellent used condition with light use wear and one missing stopper. Issued from the late 1950's through the early 1960's. Current (09/09) replacement value $19.99.

Historical Data -- Salem was founded in 1899 in Salem, Ohio. It was purchased in 1918 by the Sebring family. Salem ceased manufacturing in 1967. Manufacturing was outsourced overseas for several years.
More Salem Biscayne at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


Set of Eight Bone Dishes

Set of Eight Bone DishesOrdinarily I will not buy dinnerware without manufacturers marks, unless I recognize the pattern. My philosophy is that if I can't identify a piece than I probably won't find an interested buyer. Having said all that I did buy a set of eight bone dishes today that I have no real firm idea who or even where they were made. There are a couple of reasons why I made this exception to my own rules. First I have a weakness for bone dishes and second, I really owed the seller a favor for selling me the Minton Rose I mentioned last week. They are all in great condition except for heavy trim wear and have beautiful vermillion (I think) roses and green and gray leaves on them.
Bone Dishes at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


Enough for now. Thanks for listening...☺☺☺☺

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Swap Meet Pottery - Seyei, Heron Cross

Swap Meet SignA very worthwhile Saturday morning trip to the Swap Meet even though I only made two purchases. Some days are just luckier than others.



Heron Cross Plate
Heron Cross John Constable Wall PlateOnce again I came across a pottery I had never heard of before. A beautiful art wall plate produced by Heron Cross Pottery. A reproduction of a painting of Salisbury Cathedral by John Constable (1776-1837). Not only had I never heard of this pottery, but they have been around since 1876 and are still making fine quality ware.

Heron cross was established in 1876 by the Hines Brothers in Fenton, Stoke in the Staffordshire district in England. They make excellent quality porcelain and Ivory ware. The pottery was acquired by Grimwades in 1907 and operated continuously until WWII when the factory was used by the government to store bully beef (whatever that is) and land mines. After the war operations resumed and the company went through several changes of ownership and is still going strong. More information on the company website:
History of Heron Cross Pottery

Heron Cross John Constable Plate at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


Seyei Bella Maria
Seyei Bella Maria Covered CasseroleClick for full size view - Seyei Bella Maria Yellow MarkAlmost as soon as I arrived at the Swap Meet I spotted a very dirty pair of Seyei Bella Maria Serving Bowls under a pile of junk plates. To my surprise when I dug them out they were in excellent condition with no visible damage other than the dirt. The seller was not there, so I told her helper that I would take them and ask him to set them in the truck until I returned. When I came back 10 minutes later I was really amazed. My two bowls had grown to a large lot of Bella Maria. The price was excellent and I bought them on the spot.

Seyei is somewhat of a mystery to me. I believe it was established prior to WWII as the Seyei Toki Co. Limited in Nagoya, Japan. After the war they exported goods to the U.S. until 1970. (They were one of the many contractors for the Sears Harmony House line.) It is thought that some patterns, including Bella Maria were only sold in Armed Forces exchanges in the Far East and possibly Europe and were never actually exported to the U.S. I have seen a number of figural Sake bottles marked Seyei so their production was not limited to dinnerware.

The best source I have seen is this: Ebay Guide - Seyei Bella Maria

Since I know of no pieces marked Occupied Japan, I think it is safe to assume (dangerous practice) that Bella Maria was issued after 1951. It was discontinued around 1959. Pattern #2129. White body with gray rims, silver leaves on the gray with roses on the white centers of the flat ware. Here's the list:
  • Creamer
  • Sugar Bowl Lid only
  • 5 Salad Plates
  • 2 Soup Bowls
  • 2 14" Oval Platters
  • 2 Oval Serving Bowls
  • Round Covered Serving Bowl
  • 2 Dinner Plates

More Seyei at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

Pictures and Listing soon.
Thanks for listening... ☺☺☺☺

Friday, September 11, 2009

Trading Cards Are Back Again

Few people realize it, but at one time I was a significant non sports card dealer both off and on line. I am running out of storage room for pottery so I am going to try and move some of the large inventory of cards that I still have packed away. This four year old posting on this blog will give you some background.
"Pick a Card, Any Card"
Much more on this subject later.

Here's where they are going to be:
Trading Cards at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

Thanks for listening... ☺☺☺☺

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Swap Meet Pottery - Noritake

Swap Meet SignI decided to give the Wednesday Swap Meet another try today. As usual it lived up to my expectations. Not much there to tickle my fancy, but I did find a couple of nice pieces.

Noritake Armand Serving Bowl
Noritake Armand Bowl - click for full size viewA large Noritake Armand Round Vegetable Bowl out on the field. Nothing unusual there, but it was in perfect condition and the price was certainly right.

Historical Data -- The Noritake Company was established in the village of Noritake near Nagoya Japan by Baron Morimura in January 1904. Today it is one of the premier makers of fine China in the world. Listed:

Noritake Armand Serving Bowl at Quality Junk


Noritake Gilded Age Plates
Noritake Gilded Age Dinner Plate - click for full size viewAs I was leaving I stopped at one of the "Garage Stores" that I buy from occasionally and picked up a 4 piece lot of Noritake Gilded Age plates, one each dinner,salad,bread and saucer. I had been looking at these for some time and I bought them because Gilded Age is a simple but beautiful design and I wanted to add them to my store.


Another note of interest about this pattern. It was made in the Philippines for Noritake. I usually steer clear of Philippine pottery for two reasons. First, most of what is currently on the market is from small "cottage" industry companies and is of a poor quality. Second, I have to limit the range of my inventory and purchases and so I simply have to pass by a lot of good pieces from countries that are relatively new to the pottery business. This includes the Philippines, Portugal and Italy and many others. I just don't have the financial capability of expanding into those areas at this time.

Noritake Gilded Age at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

More Noritake at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

Noritake articles in this blog.

Enough for now. Thanks for listening.... ☺☺☺☺

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Otagiri Tea Set - Another Great Sale

OTAGIRI TEA SET
Otagari Tea Set - click for full size viewSold another piece today while taking my "old guy" nap. (I've got to nap more often). This time it was a really nice Otagiri Tea Set. I almost (remember I said almost) hate to sell it.

Description -- Gray body with hand inscribed and handpainted bird, flower and fish designs. Teapot - opening diameter 3 5/8", foot ring diameter 4 1/8", height 5" (top of finial). Cups - 2 1/2" diameter x 2 1/2" tall. Rattan handle in perfect condition. The beautiful hand work makes this a prime example of Japanese craftsmanship. Excellent condition with no chips, cracks or crazing. Not all pieces have intact OMC Gold paper labels.

Historical Data -- Otagiri Mercantile Company, more commonly called OMC, was established in San Francisco in 1947 . Most products by Otagiri were manufactured in Japan. They became one of the most respected importers of giftware and in 1994, Otagiri was sold to the Enesco Corporation.

My thanks to the buyer in Connecticut who purchased it. I hope she will enjoy it as much as I have.

More Otagiri at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


I'm off to buy more bubble wrap. Thanks for listening....☺☺☺☺

Monday, September 07, 2009

Pottery Sales - Harmony House & Williams Sonoma

thumb up A couple of more sales over the labor day weekend. I don't know why but in the five years I have been selling on line, sales have always nosedived in July & August and literally exploded upward in September. My theory has always been that summertime combined with daylight savings creates a situation where folks have a lot of daylight to play outside in after work and are not willing to sit in front of a computer surfing the net. When the weather is dreary or even bad, they are more inclined to stay indoors and play on their computers. Whatever the reason it seems to happen this way year after year, so I spend my summer sales slump trying to make all of my listings as attractive as possible for the rest of the year.


HARMONY HOUSE HONEY HEN

Harmony House Honey Hen Mark - click for full size viewHarmony House Honey Hen Dinner Plate - click for full size view

Sold a lot of four Harmony House Honey Hen Dinner Plates that were made for Sears by Taylor, Smith & Taylor. They are a bit unusual in that they have Taylor, Smith & Taylor and Harmony House backstamps. Usually pottery made for Harmony House does not have a manufacturers mark. I don't know when Honey Hen was first issued, but it was discontinued in 1963.

Historical Data -- In 1940, Sears introduced the Harmony House brand as an interior-decorating scheme that used four basic colors that could be coordinated with each other. (The year before, Sears catalogs featured "Charm House," a similar program.) Customers were encouraged to use a color wheel that was supplied in the catalog for coordinating colors. Eventually the color palette was expanded to 18 colors. The Harmony House style and color system was not merely limited to carpets and paints, either; the entire house could be furnished according to the colors. The Harmony House line of dinnerware was made for Sears & Roebuck by a number of companies including Hall China, Homer Laughlin, Salem China, Universal and Fine China of Japan among others. The Harmony House Line was discontinued in 1968.

More Harmony House at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

WILLIAMS SONOMA BOWL SET

Williams Sonoma Cheese Dipping Set - click for full size viewMy other sale was a boxed set of six Williams Sonoma cheese dipping bowls. I actually ended up selling these for almost the price of shipping them. I had made a mistake on the shipping cost and the difference ate up the profit. While these are beautiful bowls for your home party I really had no interest in them so I am glad to find them a good home.

Historical Data -- Founded in 1956, Williams-Sonoma has become a premier specialty retailer of home furnishings in the USA. They are well known and respected. they market in retail stores, by catalog and on the internet.


Enough for now. Thanks for listening....☺☺☺☺

Sunday, September 06, 2009

Swap Meet Pottery - Minton, Bennington, Occupied Japan

Swap Meet SignI really haven't gone three days without having anything to say here. I have updated most of the postings from the last week with pictures and links to my store.

Today however I did finally manage to get back to the swap meet and I was ever so glad that I did. I found a few interesting thing and than just before I left I stumbled across a genuine find. Here's a quick list to be clarified with details later.

  • Occupied Japan Mugs
    A pair of Occupied Japan Beer Mugs with the usual Medieval drinking scenes handpainted on the side of low quality post WWII Japanese Pottery.

    Historial Data -- Occupied Japan Marks were used after WWII until the end of the ocupation April 18,1952. While all Japanese exports were supposed to be marked in this fashion, it is commonly believed that many were simply marked "Japan" or "Made in Japan". Because there was a general feeling of resentment against the occupation many craftsman and manufacturers would not use the occupation mark. The effect of this has resulted in a scarcity of wares with the occupation mark which has created a very active market for them among collectors.
    More Occupied Japan at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


  • Franciscan Bouquet Berry Bowls
    Three Franciscan Bouquet Berry Bowls from their Romantics Line. Bouquet is a scalloped shape with a sculptured bouquet that flows across the piece. According to Franciscan advertising at the time the Romantics are "beautiful by candlelight or daylight, letting you put flowers on the table every day. The other patterns were Cafe Royal (an earthtoned version of Desert Rose) and Rosette (same shape as Bouquet but with embossed flowers on the rim rather than on the plate).
    More Franciscan at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


  • Bennington Potters Agate Gravy Boat
    A Bennington Potters Pink Agate Gravy Boat with attached underplate.

    Historical Data -- Bennington Potters was founded in 1948 when David Gill began making ceramics as part of an artists' cooperative. Gill eventually opened Bennington Potters in a small barn in downtown Bennington. In 1964 Bennington Potters expanded into a former home and business supply building located on County Street, where it is still operating today. The history of Bennington Potters is a tale of an early American local pottery evolved onto an internationally respected company.
    Bennington Potters History

    This mark is worthy of note and unusual, because it is an example of the complete Bennington Potters mark designed by Gill and represents a creative hand and arm with an inspirational spark on the arm. Most of their ware uses only an asterik representing the inspirational spark. They explain it better than I can.
    The Story of the Bennington Potters Stamp

    Bennington Potters at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


  • Minton Rose Dinnerware
    The big find - A lot of Minton Rose dinnerware. Most of which is from the older style with the smooth edge and Globe backstamp.


    • (3) Old style saucers
    • (3) New style saucers
    • (8) Salad Plates
    • (2) Luncheon Plates
    • (7) Dinner Plates

    As is my policy I won't share my cost, but current replacement on the Minton is about $1000.00 total. This is a complicated lot because there are several different U.S. Jobber marks to research. These may be of interest to the advanced collector (They certainly are to me).
    More Minton at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall



Enough for now. Thanks for listening... ☺☺☺☺

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Pottery Sales Sango & Princess House

a happy car
Well at least one problem is solved. When I took the car back to the "certified repair facility" they said something was blocking the air flow distribution. They cleaned it and I went right to the "certified test facility" and it passed the test. I immediately went and registered the car because as I was leaving the "certified test facility" the "uncertified" engine light came back on. At least it worked long enough to pass the test. I'll take it back to the "certified repair facility" tomorrow and see what they have to say.

Also a couple of small, but encouraging sales to report. It looks like the fall sales are picking up a little.


Princess House Cereal Bowl

Sold a Princess House Heritage Blossom Cereal Bowl. (We have more).
Historical Data -- Princess House was founded in 1963 by Charlie Collis. By using Home Party Hostess's and a network of Lifestyle Consultants, they provide quality everday and special occasion home products to consumers.
More Princess House at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


Sango Maui Dinner Plate
Sold a Sango Maui Dinner Plate. Description -- Larry Laslo Collection, Pattern 7001. Orange, gray & black tropical floral design on white ovoid body. 11 1/2" x 10 1/4" plate. Excellent used condition with no damage. Made in Korea. First issued in 1986 and discontinued in 1992. Estimated (06/09) replacement value $22.99.

Historical Data -- Sango Ceramics Indonesia is the leading ceramics tableware distributer based in Indonesia. They have fine china, porcelain, and stoneware for home as well as for the hospitality industry manufactured in a number of countries. Their products are exported and sold everywhere. More Sango at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall


Larry Lasko -- Larry Laslo began his long career as an advertising art director and illustrator, and his interiors still bear the stamp of a freewheeling imagination. In addition to using plush materials and saturating them with rich color, Laslo is known for tapping the glamour of another age. There’s hardly a sphere of design that he hasn’t put his fevered mind to: china for Royal Limoges and Mikasa, lighting, furniture, and most recently a line of fabrics for Robert Allen. We asked him what makes his design sense tick. —Paul O’Donnell (Excerpt from An interview on Glam.com):
Larry Lasko Interview




Thanks for listening.... ☺☺☺☺

Problems, Problems

problems
Well I've missed a couple of days again and I really didn't want to but....

Our car (a venerable 1999 Hundyai) Has to be smog tested this year and for the first time since we bought it (new) it didn't pass. I have been going back and forth to the "certified repair facility" for several days trying to make right whatever is wrong. First was a major overhaul (no question that we needed this) trying to get the check engine light to stay off. That went well and the car certainly ran a lot better, but unfortunately the light came back on while we were sitting at a long light that night. Next day they found a vapor tank that was falling apart and replaced it. The light came back on while the car was idling in our driveway waiting for me to open the garage door. I'll take it back this morning, but we are just about at our funding limit, so we may have to register it as inoperative for another month while we get more cash together. The car is not essential to me, but my wife can't really get back and forth to her work without it. I'll let you know how this plays out.

Yesterday was my 71st birthday and this also impacted on my blogging time. Hopefully I can get back to daily updates when all of this is behind us.

Atomic Mall has now added sub sub categories to the Mall wide search engine. I will have a lot more to say about this later. While this may be helpful to some types of dealers, it will simply confuse an already confusing issue for me. The best way to search my store or the mall is to go there and enter a search term in the search window. It would have been much better to have added the ability to subdivide categories to the stores (which I was expecting) rather than to the entire mall. Oh well Atomic Mall is still the best site around by leaps and bound, so I'm there for the duration.

Thanks for listening....☺☺☺☺