Porcelain tea set made in Czechoslovakia
Q. I would appreciate if you would tell me the value of the porcelain tea set seen in this photo. It was given to me by my aunt and must be 75 years old. The set is a service for six and consists of cups, saucers, dessert plates and a sugar bowl and cream pitcher. The dishes are decorated with multicolored flowers and gold trim all against a white background. Marked on the back of each piece are the words “Phoenix China” above an eagle. Below that are illegible numbers or words. Thank you for any information you can provide.
A. Phoenix China Company made your tea set in the early 1900s. They were located in what was at that time, Czechoslovakia. Phoenix China Company was founded in 1876 by Carl Wiedemann. After World War I, in 1918, the country of Czechoslovakia was formed. Bohemia emerged as a cosmopolitan area and the home of many successful porcelain manufacturers. In 1993, Czechoslovakia became two countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Your tea set was made around 1920 to 1940 and would probably be worth $125 to $175.
Q. This mark is on the bottom of a carnival glass pitcher that was my grandmother's. It is purple, decorated with grapes, leaves, cables, stands about 8 inches tall, has a saw-tooth rim and a smooth handle. It is in mint condition. Someone told me the pattern is “Grape and Cable” and it was made by Northwood.
Anything you can tell me about its history, age and value will be appreciated.
A. Your information on the pattern and the maker is correct. Northwood Glass Company was founded by Harry Northwood in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1901. Northwood produced both pressed glass and blown glass. They made beautiful carnival glass from 1908 to 1915. The “Grape and Cable” pattern was available in myriad shapes that included pitchers, bowls, plates, berry dishes, creamers, sugar bowls, tumblers and spooners. The most popular colors of this pattern were amethyst (purple), marigold, green and blue. Northwood discontinued making carnival glass in 1915 due to the high cost of manufacturing. After years of producing beautiful glass, the company closed in 1925.
Your amethyst water pitcher would probably be worth $200 to $235.
• Address your questions to Anne McCollam, P.O. Box 247, Notre Dame, IN 46556. Items of a general interest will be answered in this column. Due to the volume of inquiries, she cannot answer individual letters.
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