Franciscan earthenware
, manufactured by Gladding, McBean between 1934 and about 1980, is one of the most popular collectible dinnerware brands in the United States and Great Britain. Its appealing colorful patterns and casual shapes suit a modern home as well as they did in 1940. Some of the most popular patterns are decorated with bright hand-painted fruit or flowers, a cheerful addition to any table.
Instructions
1. Visit an antique dealer to become familiar with Franciscan earthenware. Don't buy on a first visit but focus on and perhaps photograph as many Franciscan patterns as possible and make notes on conditions and prices. If the dealers have only a few pieces or no pieces, ask them to direct you to another dealer.
2. Check for logos on the backs of pieces called Franciscan earthenware but do not depend on the logo to authenticate the piece. Real Franciscan earthenware may or may not have the Franciscan logo, but most patterns and shapes will have a "Made in USA" stamp and some will say "Made in California." Beware of Franciscan earthenware copies made in the last 10 years. Most have no identification and all will appear to be in new condition.
3. Buy a book on Franciscan earthenware from an antique dealer's website or a bookstore. Check for books on china and tableware in a library. Because there are nearly 150 Franciscan earthenware patterns, a book may be the best way to authenticate a piece or set.
4. Consult dealers' websites, which will frequently have photos of one or two patterns as well as information on prices. One promising website is gmcb.com, a library of Franciscan patterns. The patterns are listed but few photos are available. It does provide the titles of several books on Franciscan dinnerware.
5. Search for a pattern on replacements.com, which has the most thorough catalog of Franciscan earthenware with photographs, but the site is somewhat difficult because the earthenware patterns are mixed with china patterns. The only way to tell the difference is to click on the pattern title and read the content. This website provides pieces or whole sets, so prices are printed alongside the photos and are kept up to date.
Tags: Franciscan earthenware, Franciscan earthenware, antique dealer, authenticate piece, earthenware patterns, Franciscan patterns
