Collectible jadeite once sold in dime stores
Q. I have a light green glass-covered butter dish that was sold to me as jadeite. However, there are no manufacturer's marks to confirm who made it. It is in mint condition. I would like to know if it is jadeite, who made it and what it is worth. We paid $65 for it in a reputable antiques store in Texas. Your opinion would be welcomed.
A. Identifying jadeite glass can be problematic. Not all manufacturers of jadeite marked their glass, and there are reproductions, many of which are passed off as vintage. A word of caution to collectors: do your research and know your dealers, especially on eBay. Jadeite was made in the Depression by several manufacturers, including Jeannette Glass Co. and Anchor Hocking/Fire King.
The glass is recognized by its soft milky green color. It was sold in five-and-dime stores and even hardware stores. Jadeite was never intended to be high-priced glassware; it was expected to be used for everyday kitchenware. Your butter dish looks like the candlewick pattern that was also made in clear glass. A plethora of kitchenware pieces were made, from butter dishes to rolling pins. Some companies used jadeite as premiums to encourage buyers to purchase their products.
Your covered butter dish was made around 1940 and would probably be worth $50 to $75.
Q. I have been wondering about a platter that was given to me by my mother. I was told it was a wedding present to my grandparents who married in 1904. Attached is the mark that is on the back. Also included with the mark is a square surrounded with the words "1832 - Engraving For W. Ridgway." Engraved inside the square is "Semi-China." The platter is decorated with a blue willow pattern and measures 11.75 inches by 9.5 inches. It is in mint condition. Anything you can tell me about this dish would certainly be appreciated.
A.W. Ridgway pottery was founded in England in 1879 and has had a number of name variations over the years. "1832" refers to the original engraving. This mark was not used until around 1927. Based on that, your grandparents acquired the platter later than 1904. Blue willow patterns are attributed to the myth of star-crossed lovers who fled from an irate father. They were saved by the gods and transformed into birds.
Your platter can be seen selling anywhere from $125 to over $150.
• 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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