Earthenware dinner set design inspired by desert flowers
Q. This is a picture of one of the dishes that is part of a service-for-12 set of dinnerware. I have acquired the set of Franciscan earthenware with all the extra serving pieces from my mother. Some people have mentioned that the set could be valuable, especially with all the extra pieces. On the back of each dish are the word "U.S.A. Oven Safe Color Fast." Also marked in an oval shape are the words "Franciscan Earthenware." I believe the name of the pattern is "Desert Rose." Can you give me an estimate of its value? Any other information you could provide will be appreciated.
A. Gladding, McBean and Co. founded Franciscan Ware Pottery in 1934 in Los Angeles, California. The mark you described is called the "TV mark" because it is shaped like the TV screens in the 1950s. The pattern is indeed "Desert Rose," and it was introduced in 1941. A freelance designer, Annette Honeywell, designed the pattern. Mary Jane Winans, a Franciscan Ware designer, carved and modeled the "Desert Rose" shapes for the mold. The pattern was raised and hand painted and became one of the most popular patterns in the United States.
The "Franciscan" name was inspired by the heritage of the Franciscan monks who settled in early California. In 1979, Wedgwood bought out Gladding, McBean and Co. and in 1984 relocated the operations to England. Wedgwood Waterford Royal Doulton produces Franciscan Ware today. Your set was made in the 1950s to the early 1960s and would probably be worth $800 to $1,200.
Q. This mark is on the bottom of a wash set that I have. The set includes a washbowl, large pitchers, a large chamber pot, a small container with a lid, a small pitcher, a drinking glass and a small dish with handles, which looks like a sugar bowl. These pieces all match and are decorated with small pinstripes in burgundy and gold. How much is my set worth?
A. Edwin M. Knowles China Co. was founded in 1900 in Chester, West Virginia. They soon added a plant in Newell, West Virginia. They made semi-vitreous, also known as semiporcelain. At one time, they were recognized for having become one of the most modern and efficient porcelain factories and one of the leading makers of dinnerware. They didn't survive the influx of cheaper porcelain imported from Japan and closed in 1963. The small dish with handles is a shaving mug. Your wash set was made in the early 1900s and would probably be worth $400 to $500.
• 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.
© 2015, Creators Syndicate