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

A 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) Well 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 Next 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) The 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 Next, 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
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 PlatesThose 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...☺☺☺☺

Pottery Buy & Sell - Kikusui, Franciscan, Milk Glass, Myott, Royal (USA)

Once again I'm forced to do my update in bits and pieces. Info will be added as I take pics, complete research and list items in the store.

RECENT SALES

Embossed Milk Glass Liquor Bottle

This was an unexpected sale as I have very little glass listed in the store even though I have a lot more sitting in inventory that I just never seem to get around to. I always thought this was a beautiful bottle.
Description -- Super display piece. 1969 Milk glass Liquor Bottle. Heavily raised overall stylized floral design. Appears to be made from a two piece mold. Cork lined milk glass stopper. Beautiful decanter. 12" high with lid on x 3 1/2" base diameter. No damage, excellent condition.

All Glassware Articles in this Blog

More Glassware at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

Myott Melody Cereal Bowls
I have more Blue Melody in the store if anyone needs a piece or two.

Description -- English Pottery. 6 3/8" opening diameter. Blue floral rim and center, scalloped edge. Excellent condition with no damage. Current replacement value on these bowls is $9.99 each.

Historical Data -- Myott and Sons was established in Stoke-on-Trent (Staffordshire area) England in 1898 and was taken over by Churchill China in 1991.

All Myott Articles in this Blog

More Myott at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

Royal (USA) Currier & Ives Sugar Bowl Lid
Ordinarily I would have just chucked the bowl here because it has a chip in it, but I had decided to keep it and simply offer it for free to go with the lid. An interesting side note here that many people are unaware of is that, in the vast majority of cases a lid is half the value of any covered piece, no matter how small it may be. I did send the bowl with the lid even though the buyer did not say if they wanted it or not.

Description -- White body with Steamboat and scrolls. The Bowl has a rim chip (see pics) and I am basically pricing the lid only and sending along the bowl. The lid is in excellent used condition with no chips, cracks or crazing. Current (05/09) replacement on the lid only is $7.99.

Historical Data -- After moving from Omaha, Nebraska, Royal China was established in Sebring, Ohio in 1934. Royal was purchased by Jeanette Glass in 1969 but continued to operate with Royal marks until closing in 1986.

Currier & Ives -- Currier and Ives is the most recognized Royal pattern. It was produced as a premium for the Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company. It was designed by Gordon Parker in 1949.

All Royal (USA) Articles in this Blog

More Currier & Ives at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

RECENT BUYS

Lot of Kikusui Dinnerware I seem to have an attraction for the many Japanese dinnerware companies that keep popping up and that I have never heard of. This Kikusui is one of them. All of these patterns seem to be similar and my bet is that they were all fired by potteries that have some contractual connection to Noritake, but I have to do a lot more research to prove it. Kikusui appears to be a 1920's company.

Kikusui at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

Franciscan Nut Tree Dinner PlatesDescription -- California Pottery. Madeira Line. 10 1/2" diameter, Pastel Blue body with tan border & center that has a speckled flower design. Rim shape with rings designed to mimic wheel thrown pottery. Excellent used condition with no chips, cracks or crazing. One plate has a small rim flake and will be sold last. Current (10/11/09) replacement value on these plates is $10.99 each. First issued in 1970 and was discontinued in 1977.

Important Note-- Nut Tree was produced in two shapes. The American version was in the rim shaped Madeira line with rim rings that imitate handmade pottery. The English version was in the coupe shaped Haceinda line without the rings. Backstamps usually indentify the version. ("Franciscan - An American Dinnerware Tradition" by Bob Page and Dale Frederiksen)

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

Thanks for Listening.... ☺☺☺☺

Pottery Sales - Lenox, United Airlines, Franciscan, Royal USA, Mikasa, Hall

As I noted in my last entry I am literally swamped with the amount of updating I have to make on my Atomic Mall store to comply with the new Google requirements. I will add details as time allows until I can catch up.

RECENT SALES

Lenox Special Order Clipper Ship Plates

Description -- All white body with blue trim, five 10 1/2" diameter dinner plates and five 6 1/4" bread plates. Estimated replacement value (11/09) dinner plates $24.99 each, bread plates $9.99 each. This is a Lenox special order series. This sale included the following plates:
4 Dinner Plates - Black Prince, Sweepstakes, Great Republic, Northern Lights
4 Bread Plates - Great Republic, Black Prince, Galatea, Northern Lights.
I know there were more in the series, but I do not know how many.

Historical Data -- Lenox is the name of a porcelain maker. Walter Scott Lenox and Jonathan Coxon, Sr., founded the Ceramic Art Company in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1889. In 1906, Lenox left and started his own company called Lenox. The company makes a porcelain that is similar to Irish Belleek. Their superior dinnerware has made the company famous. Lenox was bought by Department 56 in 2005. Since that time much if not all Lenox production has shifted off shore (mostly to China) but is clearly marked as such.

More Lenox at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

View All Lenox Postings In This Blog

Noritake United Airlines Sauce Bowl
Description -- 2 5/8" diameter x 1 1/2" deep, small abstract gray splash design. Excellent used condition with no damage. 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 United Airline China at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

View All Noritake Postings In This Blog

Franciscan Coronado Platter
Description -- California Pottery. 13" x 10", Aqua with matte finish, swirled edge. Excellent used condition with no chips, cracks or crazing. Current replacement value (11/09) $33.99.

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

View All Franciscan Postings In This Blog

Royal (USA) Old Curiosity Shoppe Chop Plate

Description -- 13 3/8" diameter, Hinges on rim. This piece is prized by collectors because it shows the interior of the Old Curiosity Shoppe. This is the larger of the two chop plates in this pattern. It is in excellent used condition with no damage. Estimated (05/09) replacement value $35.00.

Historical Data -- Royal China operated in Ohio from 1934 to 1986. It was purchased by the Jeanette Glass Corp in 1969 but continued to operate under the Royal name. Operations ceased in 1986.

More Old Curiosity Shop at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

View All Royal USA Postings In This Blog

Mikasa Color Spectrum Chop Plate
Description -- Pattern CA-101. 12 3/4" diameter. Excellent used condition with no damage. Current (05/09) replacement value $25.99. Issued in 1992 and discontinued in 1993. Great Party Platter or display piece.

Historical Data -- In the 1930's, Mikasa was established as an international trading company based in Secaucus, New Jersey. Named in honor of Prince Mikasa, the youngest brother of Emperor Hirohito, Mikasa soon became one of the most recognized Japanese brand names in the West. The company itself never attempted to "manufacture" any of its dinnerware. Rather, the Mikasa branded items were imported from Japan, Ireland, England, France, and Germany. By the 1950's customer requests were pouring in from all parts of the country, and department stores could not shelve enough stock to meet demand. By the early 1960's, Mikasa had established a reputation as "the pioneer of American casual." The 1970's brought new retail store locations. Showrooms and warehouses appeared in Canada, Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In an effort to stay as competitive as possible during the 1980's, Mikasa added crystal stemware, stainless steel flatware and other household accessories to its product offerings. Today, Mikasa continues to leverage the momentum it has built over the decades since its start.

More Mikasa at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

View All Mikasa Postings In This Blog

Hall Eva Zeisel Fantasy Serving Bowl
Description -- Hallcraft Line, classic shape. All white body, abstract black lines with yellow intersect dots. 11 3/4" x 8 7/8" x 2 1/4" high. Excellent used condition with light bottom wear. Current 06/09 replacement value $44.99.

Historical Data -- Hall China Company started in East Liverpool, Ohio, in 1903. The firm made many types of wares. Collectors search for the Hall teapots made from the 1920s to the 1950s. The dinnerwares of the same period, especially Autumn Leaf pattern, are also popular. The Hall China Company is still working. (Kovels).

More Hall at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

View All Hall Postings In This Blog

Thanks for listening .... ☺☺☺☺

Pottery Sales: Frankoma, Mikasa, California Pottery, Royal (USA), Haeger, Metlox, Franciscan

Hopefully this will be the last major update that I am forced to do in pieces. The Holiday Sales period is drawing to an end and Google shopping seems to have stopped making changes that are very time consuming and don't seem to have much impact on us "little shops" in terms of sales.

RECENT SALES

Frankoma "Teenagers of the Bible" Wall Plate

Description -- Jesus the Carpenter". 7 1/8" diameter, 1st in a series of ten plates. Clay body with raised design of Jesus with chisel. Signed on reverse. Issued for the benefit of Youth for Christ International in 1972. Excellent used condition with no chips, cracks or crazing.

Historical Data -- Frankoma Pottery was originally known as The Frank Potteries when John F. Frank opened shop in 1933 in Norman, Oklahoma. In 1938 they moved to Sapulpa. Early wares were made from a light cream-colored clay from Ada, Oklahoma, but in 1956 the company switched to a red burning clay from Sapulpa. John Frank died in 1973 and his daughter, Joniece, inherited the business. Frankoma went bankrupt in 1990. It was bought by Richard Bernstein in 1991 and is still operating.

More Frankoma at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

All Frankoma Postings in this Blog

Mikasa Amherst Dinner Plates

Description --Pattern 5874, 10 3/8" diameter. Black circles, gold band, scrolls on red rim. Excellent used condition with no damage. Issue dates unknown. Current (05/09) replacement value $35.99 each.

Historical Data -- In the 1930's, Mikasa was established as an international trading company based in Secaucus, New Jersey. Named in honor of Prince Mikasa, the youngest brother of Emperor Hirohito, Mikasa soon became one of the most recognized Japanese brand names in the West. The company itself never attempted to "manufacture" any of its dinnerware. Rather, the Mikasa branded items were imported from Japan, Ireland, England, France, and Germany. By the 1950's customer requests were pouring in from all parts of the country, and department stores could not shelve enough stock to meet demand. By the early 1960's, Mikasa had established a reputation as "the pioneer of American casual." The 1970's brought new retail store locations. Showrooms and warehouses appeared in Canada, Europe, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. In an effort to stay as competitive as possible during the 1980's, Mikasa added crystal stemware, stainless steel flatware and other household accessories to its product offerings. Today, Mikasa continues to leverage the momentum it has built over the decades since its start.

More Mikasa Amherst at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

All Mikasa Postings in this Blog

California Pottery Soup Tureen Set

Description -- Complete with lid, ladle and underplate. All White body, swirl design, with raised grape and leaves design. Overall dimensions 13" x 10 1/2" x 9" tall. Very Good used condition with medium age crazing and a 1/4" rub on the edge of the underplate. "CALIF USA" "783" incised under glaze on bottom. Beautiful piece of California Pottery. I believe this to be circa 1950's.

Historical Data -- The pottery industry in California dates back to the days of the conquistadors. The term California Pottery is primarily used when referring to the many Southern California Potteries that were in operation from the late 1800's to present day. It is a collecting venue that is definitely on the rise and presents the prospect of worthwhile investment with an excellent potential for increased value.

More California Pottery at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

Royal Old Curiosity Shop Serving Bowl

Description -- Royal China (USA) - Old Curiosity Shop serving bowl. These are the hard to find 10" serving bowl. The more common 9 1/8" bowl has a lower replacement value, but this size has a replacement value (05/09) of $49.99. This bowl is unmarked but I have no doubt that it is Royal Old Curiosity Shop. Center design is a chest and jug. Excellent condition with no chips, cracks or crazing.

Historical Data -- Royal China operated in Ohio from 1934 to 1986. It was purchased by the Jeanette Glass Corp in 1969 but continued to operate under the Royal name. Operations ceased in 1986.

More Old Curiosity Shop at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

All Royal USA Postings in this Blog

Haeger Black Panther Figurine

Description -- Shiny black glossy glaze except for the paw bottoms. 23 1/2" x 5 1/4" x 4". Excellent used condition except for bottom wear. Intact but worn paper labels. While the copywrite tag dates this item to 1996, I remember these from my high school days (long, long ago). I'm not sure about value, but I do see them on line occasionally for $50-$90.

Historical Data -- Haeger Potteries of Dundee, Illinois. Founded in 1871 as the Dundee Brickyard (made much of the brick used to rebuild Chicago after the Great Fire) and is still producing fine pottery today.

More Haeger at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

All Haeger Postings in this Blog

Metlox Red Rooster Salad Plates
Description -- California Pottery, Poppytrail Division, Provincial Shape One. 7 1/2" diameter, brown rim, rooster center. Excellent used condition, no damage. First issued in 1955 and discontinued in 1979. Current (06/09) replacement value $9.99 each.

Vintage Advertising -- 1968 Metlox Brochure - "Early American with the exciting red coloring that lends style and life to Provincial Ware. The smokey effect on the edges and handles suggest age andenhance the antique feeling."

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

All Metlox Postings in this Blog

Franciscan Hacienda Gold Soup Bowls & Dinner Plates


Description -- California Pottery, Hacienda Line. 10 3/4" diameter dinner plates, 6 3/8" diameter cereal bowls. Gold and tan geometric band. First issued in 1965 and discontinued in 1983. Excellent used condition, no chips, cracks or crazing. In the 1960's, the "hand made" look was back in favor with consumers and the ringed grooves of the Hacienda line were a successful entry into the dinnerware market by Franciscan. US Backstamp. Current replacement value $13.99. These are heavy earthenware plates.

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 Hacienda at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

All Franciscan Postings in this Blog

Franciscan Duet Dinner Plates

Description -- California Pottery. Eclipse Line. 10 7/8" diameter, 2 pink flowers & gray stems. Excellent used condition with no chips, cracks or crazing. Current replacement value on these plates is $13.99 each. Duet was first issued in 1956 and was discontinued in 1961..

Duet -- Duet came in 1956 and evokes images of large tail finned cars and the romance of teenage beach movies. Two romanticized red roses lie entwined to one side of the pieces, exaggerating the already irregular shape. With pink and black colors, it is the embodimentof a 1950's kitchen. This is period dinnerware on a family shape that showcases some of the finest of mid-century design. ("Franciscan - An American Dinnerware Tradition" by Bob Page and Dale Frederiksen)

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

All Franciscan Postings in this Blog

Details to follow. Thanks for listening .... ☺☺☺☺

Swap Meet Pottery - Sheffield (USA), Mason's Ironstone

Another Swap Meet Saturday for me. Not much there today, but I did find two things I felt were worth investing in.
A partial set of Sheffield (USA) Granada (Green) dinnerware and an absolutely wonderful Mason's Ironstone Bowl.

First the Sheffield Grenada (Green), this is a very common pattern and normally I would not have been interested except that there were many serving pieces and the price was definitely right.

Homer Laughlin's Granada Shape was designed by Vincent Bloomfield in 1967. Grenada is easily recognized by the half circles around the edge. Grenada glazes were most often in colors that matched the popular yellow and green kitchens of the time. Granada was used extensively on patterns that were sold to distributors and jobbers and a variety of backmarks will be found including the Sheffield Mark seen here. Like this one, many patterns were one solid color with no other design except the embossing. Sheffield was a trademark of J & H International Company. Sheffield products were manufactured by a number of companies, both domestic and international and were almost exclusively used as supermarket premiums.

Here's the list of what there was:

• 5 cup & saucer sets


• 3 saucers


• 1 Oval Platter 13 7/8"


• 1 Sugar Bowl w/lid


• 1 Creamer


• 7 Dinner plates 10"


• 7 Bread Plates 6 1/4"


• 1 Salt & Pepper Set


• 1 Round Covered Vegetable Bowl 7"


• 1 Round Serving Bowl 9"


• 9 Fruit/Berry Bowls 6"

Update (08/24/09) All of the above have been listed.

Here's what I have in the store:

Sheffield at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

Last but certainly not least is a fantastic find for me on which I still have a great deal of research to do. It is a large Mason's Ironstone Bowl that was decorated in purple iris by Dame Elizabeth Blackadder and commissioned by the Royal Academy of Arts in a Limited Edition of 750. I believe these were probably sold to raise funds in the Royal Academy Gift Shop, but as I say I need to study it for a while.

(Update 08/26/09)
Royal Acadamy of the Arts Biography: Dame Elizabeth Blackadder

Staffordshire Info: Masons Ironstone China

(Update 09/07/09) Listed:

Mason's Blackadder Bowl at Quality Junk in the Atomic Mall

I was very glad that I had made the trip.

Thanks for listening... ☺☺☺☺