Collecting Vintage Franciscan Ware...

 Featuring today my vintage Apple pattern Tea Service

Be forewarned that it can be addicting!!! I started collecting Vintage Franciscan Ware about ten years ago when I discovered it on Ebay. I started with the Apple pattern which is one of their most popular releases. When I was a little girl my mother had Fiesta Ware which I truly loved and our family friends mother collected Franciscan Ware Apple. I fell in love with these dishes at six years old! I loved eating at their home because I knew whatever it was would be served on these dishes. She had everything, the mixing bowls, tumblers, casserole dishes, etc. They were so beautiful! 

 The hand painted vibrant colors are still so vivid no fading after 71 years. This Teapot was fired in 1940 when the pattern was first released. I got it off of Ebay for $35 eight years ago. It's one of my price pieces.

Franciscan Ware originated in Glendale, CA at the Gladding, McBean Co. back in 1934. The most famous patterns of this period was Apple, 1940 and Dessert Rose 1942. The inspiration behind the dinnerware was the American Southwest earthenware style Pottery. The name was created from the Franciscan monks who reflected the simple, informal lifestyle and belonged to California.  This vintage dinnerware is still very collectible today. I say the vintage is because the company was sold to England in the early 80's and was massed produced and no longer hand painted. Comparing the new to the vintage is very telling. The colors of the new editions are not nearly as vibrant or vivid. The dinnerware itself doesn't really feel like pottery. 

 

My collection is very precious to me for a few reasons; it reminds of my childhood and happy times, I love the fact that it is Californian. I have been raised and still live in Southern California and last but not least the pattern makes for such a beautiful table setting.

If you are thinking about collecting this dinnerware the best place at the best price is on Ebay. Estate sales are great as well, but often very expensive like the Antique stores. You need to be very careful of the back stamp on the bottom of the plate. Hand Made in California needs to be stamped on bottom. or Gladding McBean, Co. If it says it's made in England it is not Vintage and was made after 1959. True collectible Franciscan Ware Apple or Dessert Rose was all produced before 1959, preferably in 1940's. When shopping on Ebay always make sure the seller shows the back stamp on bottom of item, if not email and ask for picture before purchasing. 

 This is an example of a correct vintage 1940 era back stamp. You can see all the components; Hand painted, Made in California, and Gladdings, McBean.

I use this dinnerware often for Sunday dinners, but in particular for Thanksgiving. This Apple pattern is absolutely gorgeous with the table set in the fall colors. My children and grandchildren love.

This beautiful pitcher was the very first piece I purchased for my collection off of Ebay. This particular piece was fired in 1942.

I am still collecting pieces and branching out to new patterns. I so far have collected a service of 12 dinner, salad, dessert plates, 12 berry bowls and sundry of serving pieces. I collected some in lots of 4 but mostly just one or two pieces at a time. I am now currently expanding my Dessert Rose pattern.

I hope you enjoyed this informal history on Franciscan ware, I would love to hear your thoughts!! 

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